Cold Pasta Salad

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Cold Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for a quick, invigorating meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or need a no-fuss dinner, this recipe has got you covered.

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a tasty dish ready in no time.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
• Great for leftovers: It stays fresh and delicious in the fridge, making it a handy meal prep option.

Recipe

A cold pasta salad is a revitalizing and versatile dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals. It combines al dente pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes:

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Substitute the feta with mozzarella or omit for a vegan option.
• Adjust the vegetables based on preference or seasonal availability.

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 320 per serving
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Cold pasta salad is a revitalizing and versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients. It’s a great option for a light meal or side dish.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my cold pasta salad with fresh, crusty bread or warm garlic bread, since it’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing. Grilled vegetable sides, like zucchini or bell peppers, add a smoky flavor that complements the cool salad. These combinations make the meal feel complete and satisfying.

Fresh Bread Options

Why not pair that rejuvenating cold pasta salad with something just as satisfying? I love serving it with a fresh baguette, warm and crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing or just enjoying on its own. If I’m feeling a bit healthier, I’ll go for whole grain rolls—they’re hearty, nutty, and add a nice texture contrast. Sometimes, I’ll even toast them lightly for a bit of crunch. Either way, these bread options make the meal feel complete, turning a simple salad into something truly special. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Grilled Vegetable Sides

Grilled vegetables bring a smoky, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with cold pasta salad. I love tossing sliced grilled zucchini on the barbecue—it gets tender with those beautiful char marks. For roasted peppers, I char them whole on the grill, then peel and slice them for a sweet, smoky kick. Adding a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt makes them irresistible. These sides are simple but impress every time. They’re colorful, healthy, and mix well with the tangy, invigorating pasta salad. Trust me, they’ll make your meal feel like a summer feast.