This Easy Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for your next potluck or backyard BBQ. With fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, this salad is not only delicious but also vibrant and refreshing. It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini (or any medium pasta shape)
- ⅔ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 ½ cups English cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup red onions, finely diced or sliced green onions
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or see below for homemade version)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables by chopping the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onions.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, Italian dressing, and chopped parsley. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Season and Chill
- Season the salad with salt and pepper. Gently stir in the crumbled feta cheese. Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
Chef's Notes
- Pasta Choice: Any medium-shaped pasta will work. Be sure to cook it al dente as it will continue to soften slightly in the dressing.
- Dressing Tips: The pasta will absorb the dressing as it sits, so be generous. Adjust the amount if you plan to serve the salad a day later.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables or ingredients like zucchini, peas, ham, bacon, salami, sundried tomatoes, pesto, artichokes, or finely diced broccoli to personalize your salad.
Homemade Italian Dressing Recipe
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, honey, and mustard.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking until the dressing is emulsified.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 233
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
- Sodium: 303mg
- Potassium: 258mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 896IU
- Vitamin C: 23mg
- Calcium: 68mg
- Iron: 1mg
Conclusion
This Easy Pasta Salad is a versatile, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or need a dish to bring to a gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the blend of fresh ingredients and zesty dressing in this delightful salad!

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing dish packed with a variety of flavors and textures. It's ideal for any gathering or a simple weekday meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or any short pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumbers, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Add protein such as cooked chicken, ham, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
- Customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
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