Beat the heat this summer with a vibrant Summer Pasta Salad! This dish is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for picnics or busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Overview
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- Tips
- Make-Ahead
- Storing
- Freezing
- Reheating
- Serving Suggestions
Summer Pasta Salad
- Unique blend of fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs.
- Versatile options for dietary preferences, including vegetarian.
- Super quick to whip up, perfect for your next gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, preferably whole grain)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
How to Make
To create your Summer Pasta Salad, start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell peppers. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the vegetables. Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the mixture, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Toss everything together until well combined. Finally, fold in the crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately or refrigerate for later!
Tips
- Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Make-Ahead
This salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storing
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
We recommend not freezing this salad, as the texture of vegetables may change once thawed.
Reheating
This dish is best served chilled and does not require reheating, making it a convenient option for picnics.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Summer Pasta Salad with grilled meats, or serve as a side dish at gatherings. It’s also delightful alongside a glass of chilled white wine.
For handy kitchen tools to make salad preparation easier, check out this set of kitchen utensils on Amazon!
Summer Pasta Salad: Light and Perfect for Picnics
Beat the heat this summer with a vibrant Summer Pasta Salad! This dish is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for picnics or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
| 8 oz pasta (your choice, preferably whole grain) | |
| 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved | |
| 1 cup cucumbers, diced | |
| 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped | |
| 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled | |
| 1/4 cup olive oil | |
| 2 tbsp red wine vinegar | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| 1 tsp Italian seasoning |
Preparation
Notes
- Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you have on hand.
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
