Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Elevate your summer gatherings with this vibrant Italian Pasta Salad, bursting with fresh vegetables and drizzled in a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics or barbecues, this dish combines rotini pasta, colorful veggies, and tangy feta cheese for a delightful medley of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, this salad is a must-have for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup olives (black or green), pitted and sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- 2. Chop the vegetables: While the pasta cools, dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
- 3. Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with chopped veggies and feta cheese (if using). Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
- 5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- 6. Serve: Enjoy chilled at gatherings or as a refreshing lunch option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg