This colorful pasta salad is a fun and easy dish packed with tasty veggies, zesty dressing, and your choice of pasta. It’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches!
You know what I love? It’s like a party for your taste buds! Plus, it’s so easy to make—you just mix everything in a bowl and enjoy. Who knew lunch could be so lively? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is great for this salad due to its fun shape! However, you can use any pasta you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use halved regular tomatoes instead or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Cucumber: Crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. If you want something with more flavor, consider using bell peppers or zucchini instead.
Olives: Black or Kalamata olives give a nice briny bite. If olives aren’t your thing, you could swap them for pickles, capers, or leave them out entirely.
Feta Cheese: This salty cheese is a winner in pasta salads. You can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or for a dairy-free option, try using marinated tofu or vegan feta.
Red Wine Vinegar: This adds tanginess to the dressing. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works well too!
How Do You Make Sure Your Pasta Salad is Always Tasty?
Making a flavorful pasta salad hinges on a few key steps. Here’s how to ensure yours stands out:
- **Cook Pasta Right**: Boil your pasta until al dente, then cool it quickly under cold water. This prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- **Flavor the Dressing**: Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper well. Taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed; it should be zesty.
- **Mix Ingredients Well**: When combining the pasta and veggies, ensure everything is coated evenly with the dressing. This maximizes flavor in every bite!
- **Time in the Fridge**: Letting the salad chill allows the flavors to blend. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Classic Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted olives, sliced (black or Kalamata)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This classic pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes. It’s quick to make and even better after a bit of chilling, giving the flavors a chance to blend together perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the farfalle pasta (or your choice of pasta) according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook it until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooling, take a large bowl and add your halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and sliced olives. This colorful mix will add great flavor and texture to your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until well blended. This dressing will give your pasta salad a delicious zing!
4. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss everything together until it’s nicely mixed and evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you like, garnish with some extra torn basil leaves on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delightful classic pasta salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute any pasta of your choice, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so check the package instructions for al dente perfection!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to refresh it!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor. To add protein, consider including grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
What Can I Use Instead of Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for feta, try crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free option, you can use a tofu-based feta or simply omit the cheese altogether!
