Pasta Salad

It’s the kind of day when the sun warms your skin and the world feels vibrant, and there’s nothing quite like a refreshing bowl of pasta salad to capture that joy. This Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of rotini, fresh veggies, and tangy feta, taking just about 30 minutes to prepare. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, especially for warm-weather get-togethers.

This recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead of time, and it tastes even better after it has marinated in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It features a combination of crunchy vegetables and soft pasta for a delightful texture.
• The vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table.
• You can prepare it up to a day in advance, making it a time-saver.
• The creamy feta adds a tangy richness that balances the dish perfectly.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create a flavorful pasta salad.

For the Salad

• 12 oz rotini pasta, uncooked
• 1 English cucumber, sliced and quartered
• ⅓ cup red onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• 2¼ oz sliced black olives, canned (drained)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing

• 1 cup Italian salad dressing

For Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

Choose a bell pepper color based on your preference.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Substitute rotini with any pasta shape.
• Use feta alternatives like goat cheese.
• Fresh parsley can be swapped for dried herbs.
• Change Italian dressing to balsamic vinaigrette.

How to Make It

Here’s how to whip up this delicious pasta salad.

Cook

Cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente.

Rinse

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to remove extra starch and drain.

Prepare

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables and place them on a platter or plate.

Combine

Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Stir

Next, add the prepared vegetables and sliced olives to the pasta, then stir to combine.

Dress

Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss to coat thoroughly.

Fold

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta mixture and gently fold it in.

Season

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

Chill

Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, it doesn’t freeze well due to the veggies.
Reheat: not necessary, serve cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before mixing to keep the veggies crisp.
• Use fresh, high-quality Italian dressing for best flavor absorption.
• Adjust the quantity of feta according to taste for a creamier texture.
• For extra crunch, add some toasted nuts before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled meats for a colorful barbecue spread.
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Great at potlucks, offering a light yet satisfying option.