Name: Italian Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

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Why Make This Recipe

Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious and colorful meal that’s perfect for gatherings, picnics, or light lunches. It’s easy to prepare, and it can be made ahead of time. Filled with fresh vegetables, pasta, and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

How to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Ingredients

8 ounces of pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Italian Pasta Salad

You can serve Italian Pasta Salad as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. You can also garnish it with additional fresh basil or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

How to Store Italian Pasta Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Italian Pasta Salad stays good for up to 3 days. Just give it a little stir before serving, as the dressing might settle at the bottom.

Tips to Make Italian Pasta Salad

Make sure to cool the pasta before mixing it with the other ingredients to keep the vegetables fresh.
Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor and freshness.
Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference. If you like it tangier, add a bit more vinegar.

Variation

Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken, mozzarella balls, or pepperoni for a heartier salad. You can also use different types of pasta or swap out veggies based on what you have on hand.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Is Italian Pasta Salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

How long does Italian Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.