Description

This Easy & Flavorful Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s a refreshing combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Whether you’re preparing for a summer picnic, a family barbecue, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is quick, customizable, and absolutely delicious. The best part? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
Rotini or penne pasta – 3 cups (uncooked)
Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
Cucumber, diced – 1 cup
Red onion, thinly sliced – ½ cup
Black olives, sliced – ½ cup
Feta cheese, crumbled – ½ cup
Grilled chicken or shrimp (optional) – 1 cup
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp

For the Dressing:
Olive oil – ¼ cup
Red wine vinegar – 2 tbsp
Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
Garlic, minced – 1 clove
Oregano, dried – ½ tsp
Salt & black pepper – To taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.

While the pasta cools, prepare the fresh ingredients by dicing the cucumbers, halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the red onions, and chopping the basil or parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.

Notes

For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can substitute feta cheese with mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavor. If making ahead, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To refresh leftovers, add a splash of olive oil or extra dressing before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick salad recipe