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pasta salad-1

Pasta Salad

This colorful and refreshing pasta salad is loaded with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a zesty homemade Italian-style dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, and as a quick side dish for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams dried rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 medium red bell pepper about 120 grams, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber about 200 grams, diced
  • 100 grams cherry tomatoes halved
  • 60 grams red onion finely chopped
  • 60 grams black olives pitted and sliced
  • 40 grams feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ΒΌ teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 small bowl or jar for dressing
  • 1 salad tongs or big spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool it quickly. Drain well.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables by dicing the bell pepper and cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, chopping the red onion, and slicing the olives.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and sliced olives. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
  6. Toss everything together gently until the dressing is evenly distributed.
  7. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give one last gentle mix.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve immediately, or chill in the fridge for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

You can add other vegetables like corn, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts for variation. If you like, add grilled chicken or chopped salami for extra protein. For best flavor, let the salad sit covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This dish can be made a day ahead.