Pasta Salad
If you’re looking for a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying, pasta salad is the answer. This colorful medley of pasta, vegetables, and dressing is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, pasta salad makes for a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just need a quick meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
– 2 cups rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with no cooking required aside from boiling the pasta.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 280 calories, 10g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, 8g of protein, and 4g of fiber. This is calculated based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Start by boiling water in a large pot.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
- Sprinkle in the diced red onion and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences. For example, use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, or swap feta for mozzarella. Add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Pasta salad is great as a standalone dish but pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fresh bread. It can also be served alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the vegetables.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Avoid using too much dressing; start with less and add more as needed.
- Be cautious with salt; feta cheese is already salty.
- Don’t skip rinsing the pasta; it helps cool it down and prevents sticking.
- Use fresh ingredients for better flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips
- Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with different vegetables based on seasonal availability.
- Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Make it the day before for an even more flavorful dish.
FAQs
Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, pasta salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, it’s often better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
What type of pasta is best for pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne work best for pasta salad as they hold the dressing and ingredients well.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative and can be used in the same way as traditional pasta in this recipe.
How can I make my pasta salad more filling?
To make it more filling, consider adding a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans.
Is pasta salad healthy?
Pasta salad can be healthy, especially when loaded with fresh vegetables and balanced with healthy fats from olive oil. Adjust portion sizes and ingredients to meet your dietary needs.
Conclusion
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit any taste. With its colorful ingredients and refreshing flavors, it’s a perfect choice for gatherings, picnics, or a simple meal at home. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to make it your own!
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup bell peppers red, yellow, green, sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling water in a large pot.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
- Sprinkle in the diced red onion and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
