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+ servings
Pasta Salad Recipe

Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Summer Gatherings

This Pasta Salad Recipe is packed with fresh veggies and creamy feta, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 16 ounces Rotini Feel free to swap with any medium pasta!
  • cup Feta Cheese Goat cheese works great too!
  • 1 medium English Cucumber Chopped; zucchini is a tasty substitute.
  • 1 pint Grape Tomatoes Halved; cherry tomatoes are a fantastic alternative.
  • 1 small Bell Pepper Chopped; roasted peppers bring a smoky touch.
  • ¼ cup Black Olives Optional; switch with capers if desired.
  • ¼ cup Red Onion Finely diced; green onions can be used.
  • 1 cup Italian Dressing Make it homemade for extra flavor!
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Chopped; consider basil or cilantro.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Season to taste.
For the Variations
  • Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Boosts protein content.
  • Additional Veggies Consider adding peas, roasted zucchini, or avocados.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 16 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, take a moment to chop your vegetables. Dice 1 medium English cucumber, halve a pint of grape tomatoes, chop a small bell pepper, and finely dice a quarter cup of red onion.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and 1 cup of Italian dressing. Add 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything until well-coated.
  4. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well. Fold in ⅔ cup of crumbled feta cheese gently.
  5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of dressing before serving to revive flavors.

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