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If you're craving a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying, this Italian Pasta Salad is your go-to. Packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty red wine vinegar dressing, it's a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish at your next BBQ, this salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. Let's dive in!
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 200 g any short pasta like rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
What You Will Need
Read more: Pasta Salad Recipe
What you will need to make Italian pasta salad
- Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing flavors from the dressing and other ingredients, making the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness, balancing the savory elements in the salad.
- Cucumber: Brings a refreshing crunch and lightness, complementing the other textures.
- Red onion: Offers a sharp, tangy bite, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Black olives: Contributes a salty, briny taste, adding depth and complexity.
- Feta cheese: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor, tying all the ingredients together.
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, providing richness and helping to meld flavors.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the salad with a classic Italian herb flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth, complementing the other ingredients.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta to the perfect texture.
- Colander: Drains pasta efficiently, preventing it from becoming soggy.
- Large mixing bowl: Combines all ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Whisk: Blends the dressing smoothly, ensuring all flavors are well-mixed.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate proportions for ingredients, maintaining balance in the recipe.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Chef's knife: Cuts vegetables precisely, enhancing the salad's texture and appearance.
Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Italian pasta salad perfect for any occasion.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Pasta any short pasta like rotini or penne
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup Red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Black olives sliced
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes:
This pasta salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
Read more: Crab and Pasta Salad Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and let it cool completely.
- Prepare all veggies and cheese, then store them in separate airtight containers.
- Mix dressing and keep it in a jar.
- Combine everything just before serving.
Freezing Instructions
- Cook pasta, then cool and freeze in a zip-top bag.
- Freeze dressing in a small container.
- Thaw pasta and dressing in the fridge overnight.
- Add fresh veggies and cheese after thawing.
Adding a pinch of sugar to the dressing can balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the overall flavor of the pasta salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does this pasta salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or goat cheese works well too.
Is it okay to add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or any veggies you like.
Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free pasta, and you're good to go.
Should I serve it cold or at room temperature?
It's best served cold, but room temperature works fine too.
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