Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Summer Dish
Pasta salad is a classic summer dish, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch. This easy pasta salad recipe is simple to make, customizable to your liking, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's also incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the ingredients to use what you have on hand.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what's in season!
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Rotini, farfalle (bowties), or penne work well. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
- Vegetables: This is where you can get creative! Here are some suggestions:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- Protein (Optional): Adding protein makes this a more substantial meal. Consider:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or other beans
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Dressing: This is key to a great pasta salad! Here's a simple vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package directions. Remember to rinse it with cold water and drain thoroughly! This step is crucial for preventing a soggy salad.
- Chop the Veggies: Dice or slice your chosen vegetables. If using a red onion, consider soaking it in cold water for 10-15 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, vegetables, and any protein you've chosen.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the pasta salad cool down and prevents it from becoming too soggy. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad:
- Don't overdress: Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Add fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill add a burst of flavor.
- Get creative with your add-ins: Experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to create your own unique pasta salad. Consider roasted vegetables for a smoky flavor.
- Make it ahead: Pasta salad is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to blend.
This easy pasta salad recipe is a great base. Feel free to experiment and personalize it to your own taste! Enjoy!
