Summer Pasta Salad
Celebrate the warm weather with a delightful summer pasta salad! This dish combines a medley of colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and pasta, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply a light lunch, this recipe is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this summer classic!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cooking time for the pasta is about 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables.
6. Sprinkle in the chopped basil and parsley.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
8. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
9. Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
10. Add crumbled feta cheese on top and serve chilled.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize your pasta salad by substituting different vegetables or proteins. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea pasta. You can also replace feta cheese with avocado for a creamier texture.
Serving and Pairings
This summer pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or as a side dish for barbecued meats. It’s also great served alongside a crisp green salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the vegetables.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy; aim for al dente.
- Not rinsing the pasta may lead to clumping.
- Forgetting to season the dressing can make the salad bland.
- Using wilted vegetables affects the flavor and presentation.
- Skipping fresh herbs can diminish the salad’s freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Customize the salad with seasonal vegetables.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving for best flavor.
- Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Experiment with different dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing shortly before serving to maintain freshness.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Rotini, penne, or farfalle are great choices as they hold onto the dressing and ingredients well.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans can enhance the dish and make it more filling.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores.
What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add or substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or even olives to suit your taste.
Conclusion
This summer pasta salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during warm weather. With its bright flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your preferences. Whether for a picnic or a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress!
Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables.
- Sprinkle in the chopped basil and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Add crumbled feta cheese on top and serve chilled.
