Pasta Salad

Ah, Pasta Salad. Just the name conjures up images of sunny picnics and effortless gatherings. But it’s more than just convenient; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant textures. As a busy parent, I’m always looking for ways to put a healthy, delicious meal on the table quickly, and this Pasta Salad recipe has become a true lifesaver. Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that I know your family will adore too. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a delicious, healthy shortcut to a satisfying experience.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My grandmother, Nonna Emilia, made the best Pasta Salad I’ve ever tasted. Every summer, her garden overflowing with fresh produce, she would whip up this vibrant dish. It wasn’t just the taste; it was the love she poured into every ingredient. This recipe is my attempt to capture that magic, blending her tradition with a modern twist. It reminds me of her warmth and the importance of sharing simple, delicious food with loved ones.

Ingredients

• **Pasta:** 1 pound Penne pasta
• **Vegetables:**
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• **Dressing:**
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the bell peppers, slice the red onion and olives, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the fresh parsley.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta and all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, give the **Pasta Salad** another toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Pasta Salad

This Pasta Salad is a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant textures. Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for picnics and gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Penne pasta

Vegetables

• 1 Red bell pepper diced
• 1 Yellow bell pepper diced
• 1/2 Red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup Black olives sliced
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped

Dressing

• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper

Equipment

• Large bowl

Method

 

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the bell peppers, slice the red onion and olives, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the fresh parsley.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked pasta and all the prepared vegetables to the bowl with the dressing.
5. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Before serving, give the Pasta Salad another toss and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Notes

For the most flavorful Pasta Salad, don’t skimp on the fresh herbs. Parsley adds a bright, refreshing note, but basil or oregano can also be fantastic additions. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing. Be sure to cook your pasta al dente. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta like rotini, fusilli, or tortellini. Refrigerating the Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) intensifies the flavors.

Expert Tips for Best Results

For the most flavorful Pasta Salad, don’t skimp on the fresh herbs. Parsley adds a bright, refreshing note, but basil or oregano can also be fantastic additions. I like to use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing; it truly makes a difference in the overall taste. Be sure to cook your pasta al dente – it should have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold its shape in the salad. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini, fusilli, or even tortellini can be delicious alternatives to penne. Finally, refrigerating the Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight)intensifies the flavors, so plan accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect side dish for almost any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky flavors. It’s also a welcome addition to picnics and potlucks, traveling well and holding up nicely even in warm weather. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or a crusty loaf of bread to complete the meal. For a vegetarian main course, you could add grilled halloumi cheese or chickpeas for extra protein. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving adds a salty, savory touch. Alternatively, you could add some sun-dried tomatoes for a touch of sweetness or some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist. No matter how you serve it, Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

This Pasta Salad provides a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing side for summer barbecues, and a healthy option for lunchboxes. With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and endless customization possibilities, it’s a recipe that will keep coming back to. Its simplicity makes it a great dish to prepare with kids, and its nutritional value make it a guilt-free pleasure. Plus, it tastes even better the next day. From quick lunches to shared meals, Pasta Salad brings a touch of sunshine to the table. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your home!