This pasta salad is colorful and full of tasty bites! Tossed with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
It’s a fantastic dish for summer parties or picnics. I love making it ahead of time; the flavors get better as it chills. Plus, who doesn’t like an easy recipe? 🍅🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I’m using farfalle here, but you can swap it for any pasta you love. Bow ties, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta work just as well. If gluten-free is your thing, look for gluten-free pasta, which holds up nicely in salads.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a wonderful salty and creamy element. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or even cubed mozzarella. For a vegan option, use firm tofu marinated in a little salt and lemon juice.
Kalamata Olives: These olives give the salad a rich flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives can stand in. Just be mindful of the saltiness; you might want to cut back on added salt in the dressing.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates this dish. If you don’t have it, try substituting with parsley or oregano, but remember fresh herbs really bring out the flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to great pasta salad is properly cooked pasta. Always follow the package instructions, but all good pasta should be cooked al dente — that means firm to the bite. This helps it stand up against the dressing without getting mushy.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- Test the pasta 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time. You want it a little firm.
- Once done, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring it remains al dente.
How to Make a Refreshing Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) farfalle pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad can be prepared in about 20 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package directions, until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps to stop the cooking process and will keep the pasta firm.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, and torn fresh basil leaves. Use a spoon to gently mix everything together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a little salt and pepper. This dressing will add a lovely flavor to your salad!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mixture. Toss everything gently to make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing and combined nicely.
5. Adjust the Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a little more dressing if you prefer.
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and pop the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together, making the salad even tastier.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. If you want, garnish with extra basil leaves for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your colorful and refreshing pasta salad!
Can I Use Different Pasta Varieties?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can swap in any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole grain options. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad!
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No problem! If you’re out of feta, you can substitute with crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Each will give a unique flavor to the salad, so choose based on your preference!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigerating, just toss in a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, spinach, or even artichokes. Just chop them well and mix them in with the other ingredients for a heartier salad!
