Summer Pasta Salad Delicious – Perfect for Picnics
A refreshing Summer Pasta Salad perfect for picnics, featuring fusilli tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, olives, and a light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing.
Looking for a refreshing dish that’s ideal for gatherings and busy weeknights? This Summer Pasta Salad Delicious is your answer! With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, you’ll be enjoying this colorful meal on the go or at picnics in no time.
Summer Pasta Salad Delicious
- Perfectly light and refreshing for summer days.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients.
- Can be prepared in advance for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fusilli pasta – a curly shape that holds onto the dressing well.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved for a burst of flavor.
- 1 cup cucumber – diced, adding a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 cup red onion – thinly sliced for zing.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese – crumbled for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup olives – pitted and sliced for a briny kick.
- 1/4 cup olive oil – the base of the dressing.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar – for a tangy finish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
How to Make
Start by cooking the fusilli pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a light dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving cold or at room temperature.
Tips
- Use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or corn, for extra color and nutrients.
Make-Ahead
This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it ideal for meal prepping. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storing
Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, and consume them within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad, as the texture of the vegetables will suffer when thawed.
Reheating
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to warm it up, do so gently in a microwave while avoiding overcooking the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Summer Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light dinner option. It also makes a great side dish for BBQs and picnics. For easy serving, consider using a high-quality serving bowl to showcase its vibrant colors!
Related Recipes
Ingredients
- 8 oz Fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook pasta
Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare vegetables
Halve cherry tomatoes. Dice cucumber and thinly slice red onion.
Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Make dressing
Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Toss and serve
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can swap feta for goat cheese or add cucumbers for extra crunch.
- This salad can be prepared a day in advance; store dressing separately and combine before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time as needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, omit the feta or substitute a vegan cheese, and ensure the dressing uses vegan-friendly ingredients.
What goes well with this salad?
Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or a light side like garlic bread.
Can I customize with other vegetables?
Absolutely. Add bell peppers, corn, olives, or herbs to suit your taste.
