Description
This Classic Pasta Salad combines tender pasta with crisp, fresh veggies and tangy feta, tossed in a simple Italian dressing. It’s an adaptable and vibrant dish, easy to prepare and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or easy weeknight dinners. The dressing soaks into the pasta for a well-rounded flavor that gets better with time, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe. Customize it with your favorite veggies or add a protein like chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness. With its bold colors and fresh ingredients, this pasta salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, bringing a delightful taste of summer to any gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 ounces rotini or any medium pasta shape
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (or to taste)
- 1 medium English cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 small bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion or sliced green onions
- 1 cup Italian dressing (or homemade dressing, see notes)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Meanwhile, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, Italian dressing, and fresh parsley. Toss well to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently stir in feta cheese.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend and the pasta to soak in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 233 kcal per cup