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Homemade Pasta Salad Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Homemade Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a timeless dish that combines simple ingredients to create a refreshing and satisfying meal. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, preparing for a potluck, or simply looking for a quick lunch option, homemade pasta salad recipes are versatile and always a hit.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 8 oz pasta your choice, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 each cucumber diced
  • 1 each bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1/2 each red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup olives sliced (green or black)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Spoon or Tongs

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down, making it perfect for the salad.
  3. Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the olives and chop the fresh parsley.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Mix gently to combine without breaking the feta cheese too much.
  5. Step 5: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure to taste the dressing before pouring it over the salad, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. Step 6: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing for optimal flavor.
  7. Step 7: You can serve the pasta salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting period enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Notes

Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed for lunch the next day.