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pasta salad recipes

Classic Pasta Salad

A bright and refreshing pasta salad filled with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing — perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Strainer

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 3 cups cooked pasta such as penne or rotini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and basil.
  • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. You can also use gluten-free pasta if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 240mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword Pasta Salad, Summer Dish, vegetarian
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