Speedy Summer Pasta Salad Sunshine on a Plate

Speedy Summer Pasta Salad Sunshine On A Plate

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) dried pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
• 1 pint (475ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
• 4 ounces (115g) black olives, pitted and sliced
• 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
• Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumber and bell pepper, and slicing the olives.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, feta cheese (if using), and red onion (if using).
• Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld (optional, but recommended).
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:18g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Italian

Recipe Introduction: Sunshine on a Plate

Fancy a simple pasta salad that's proper lush? Do you also want an easy pasta salad recipe ? This is your answer! It is a dish inspired by those long summer days where all you want is to hang out with friends in the park with food.

This recipe is simple and the best part is that you can use any vegetables that you like.

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to get that summer pasta salad vibe all year round? This dish, brimming with fresh veggies and a zingy vinaigrette, does exactly that.

Brief Overview

This cold pasta salad takes cues from the classic Italian "pasta fredda," known for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. This is an easy pasta salad recipe , ready in just 30 minutes (plus chilling time).

This recipe will yield approximately 6-8 servings. Perfect for feeding the family or taking for a lunch at work.

Main Benefits

Beyond tasting amazing, this pasta salad with vegetables is packed with goodness! You can swap the type of pasta for a wholewheat pasta.

This is fantastic for potlucks and those unexpected sunny days. What makes this recipe special? It's a blank canvas – you can adapt it to your taste! You can also make ahead pasta salad for when you are busy.

The Ingredients List

Okay, here is a list of all the ingredients you are going to need. You can buy them from your local shops.

• 1 pound (450g) dried pasta, like rotini, fusilli or penne.

• 1 pint (475ml) cherry tomatoes, halved.

• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced.

• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced.

• 4 ounces (115g) black olives, pitted and sliced.

• 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled (optional).

• 1/4 cup (60ml) red onion, finely diced (optional).

• For the Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Our Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

Making this quick pasta salad is easier than putting on your socks. It's mostly chopping and mixing. Don't be put off by the chopping though, it is a great opportunity to use those mindfulness techniques!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This simple pasta salad is all about fresh ingredients and ease! We are making an easy pasta salad recipe .

Honestly, it's so straightforward. You practically don't need to be Jamie Oliver.

Main Players: Pasta and Veg

For the pasta itself, you'll need 1 pound (450g) of your favourite short pasta shape. Rotini, fusilli, or penne all work a treat.

Cook it until al dente ! No one likes mushy pasta. The pasta should be drained then cooled.

Next up, the veggies! Grab 1 pint (475ml) of juicy cherry tomatoes. Halve them. Get 1 cucumber , peeled, seeded, and diced.

Also, you will need 1 red bell pepper , cored, seeded, and diced. You will need 4 ounces (115g) of black olives, pitted and sliced.

If you’re feeling fancy, add 4 ounces (115g) of crumbled feta and 1/4 cup (60ml) of finely diced red onion.

Want a pasta salad with vegetables ? You got it! This is a summer pasta salad staple for picnics.

Seasoning is Key: The Vinaigrette

Now, for the pasta salad vinaigrette , here's what you need: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. Use a good quality one! Next, add 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice.

Then add 1 tablespoon (15ml) white wine vinegar. A teaspoon of dried oregano is next. Half a teaspoon of garlic powder is needed.

Finally, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

No white wine vinegar? Use more lemon juice. It is a perfect quick pasta salad dressing, right? If you want a hint of Italian, that's an Italian pasta salad recipe

Essential Kit

You don't need a load of fancy gadgets. A large pot is next, for cooking the pasta. Then, you will need a colander for draining it.

A big mixing bowl is needed. Get a whisk, for the vinaigrette. A chopping board and knife are needed. If you have that, you are golden! Making a cold pasta salad is simple.

This picnic pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. You can even make ahead pasta salad . I honestly believe that this pasta salad with feta is one of the easiest and tastiest things you can whip up.

Enjoy!

Cooking Method: Pasta Salad Perfection

So, you want to make a simple pasta salad ? Ace! I’ve got you covered. Honestly, it’s one of those things that seems complicated, but it's easier than making a cup of tea! This easy pasta salad recipe is my go-to for summer parties.

It's always a crowd-pleaser. You know, the kind that disappears faster than you can say "seconds please".

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place , darling! Get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. It seriously saves time and avoids the classic "Oh my gosh, I forgot the cucumber!" moment.

Remember to wash your veggies and dry them well. It will help the dressing coat better and prevents the summer pasta salad from getting soggy.

Step-by-Step Sunshine Salad

1. Boil the pasta . A pound of rotini or penne should do it. Add to boiling, salted water. Cook until al dente , about 8- 10 minutes .
2. Drain and cool under cold running water. Rinsing stops the cooking and prevents sticking.
3. Chop those veggies . Halve one pint of cherry tomatoes, dice one cucumber, and one red bell pepper.
4. Whisk the dressing . Combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
5. Combine everything! Toss the pasta, veggies, and dressing in a big bowl.

Pro Tips for Pasta Salad Glory

For a zingier dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Trust me, it makes a difference. Don't overcook the pasta – nobody likes mushy pasta salad.

Also, chilling the cold pasta salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld. You can even make ahead pasta salad a day in advance.

Just give it a good toss before serving. It's perfect for a picnic pasta salad . If you are looking for an Italian pasta salad recipe , add some mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.

For pasta salad with feta , just crumble some on top before serving. Pasta salad, especially pasta salad vinaigrette , it is also a great vehicle for any veggies sitting in your fridge, and makes a quick pasta salad .

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you've got the easy pasta salad recipe down, haven't you? But before you start chucking ingredients like you're slinging mud at Glastonbury, let's chat about some bits and bobs to make your simple pasta salad absolutely brilliant.

This isn't just food; it's a vibe!

Serving Suggestions

Plating this cold pasta salad can be a laugh. Honestly, sometimes I just bung it in a bowl. But if you're feeling fancy, try layering it in a glass bowl.

Think of it like a trifle, but savory.

As for sides, it goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or even a proper sausage roll. And to drink? A crisp glass of white wine or maybe some homemade lemonade. Cheers to that!

Storage Tips

So, you've made a mountain of this quick pasta salad ? No worries. Pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Make sure it's properly chilled.

Freezing? Hmmm, I wouldn’t. The pasta can get a bit soggy. Reheating isn't really a thing either; it's a summer pasta salad , best served cold!

Variations

Fancy a bit of a switch-up? For a veggie version, just leave out the feta. Job done! You could add roasted sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.

Swapping out the regular cheese for pasta salad with feta cheese is always a good shout too!

Oh my gosh, I once tried adding a bit of chili flakes for a kick. It was banging! You know?

Nutrition Basics

Right, so this picnic pasta salad isn’t exactly a health food, but it's not all bad either. It's got some protein from the feta and plenty of vitamins from the veggies.

The carbs will give you energy, perfect for a day out.

One serving has about 350 calories. Not bad, eh? And the best bit? It fills you up! Think of it as sunshine on a plate.

This Italian pasta salad recipe is the bee's knees.

Right then, go on and give it a go. Don't be shy; have a play with the ingredients. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it's still pasta salad.

It's hard to mess that up, innit? You can make ahead pasta salad to save time as well. Honestly, you've got this!