Simply Sensational Summer Pasta Salad
Need an easy pasta salad? This summer pasta salad recipe, packed with Mediterranean goodness, is ready in a flash! Perfect for picnics. Get the recipe now! ... Quick & Easy Recipes
Recipe Introduction
Ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge? Wondering what to make?
Fancy a light and fresh bite? I've got just the ticket! An easy pasta salad that's ridiculously simple. It’s the perfect way to use up all those lovely summer veggies.
Summer on a Plate: Sensational Pasta Salad
This ain't just any old salad. Think sunshine, Greek islands, and happy tummies. It's Mediterranean sunshine in a bowl! This Greek pasta salad recipe brings together the best flavours.
Origin and Deliciousness
This recipe's a spin on the classic Mediterranean flavours. It’s my go to for a fuss free meal. Ready in minutes, it feeds six hungry souls and can be prepped for a picnic!
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Honestly, this is an easy cold pasta salad . Even if your cooking skills are rubbish, you can nail this. It takes around 30 minutes, including chilling. It serves about six people.
Main Benefits
This pasta salad with feta boasts loads of healthy fats from the olive oil and is also full of vitamins from the veggies.
It's ideal for picnics. what makes it special? it's blooming delicious!
Let's dive into the pasta salad ingredients list and whip up something truly special.
Let's Chat Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Are we going to have a picnic pasta salad ? Great! This salad is also cracking for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week!
The recipe is so flexible. Feel free to swap things around. Got some leftover roasted vegetables? Chuck 'em in! This is quick pasta salad with loads of flavor.
This simple pasta salad is a champion for a reason. It’s easy, flavorful, and totally adaptable.
And that vinaigrette? You can't have best ever pasta salad recipes without proper vinaigrette. Honestly, it makes the whole thing sing!
Simply Sensational Summer Pasta Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Sensational Easy Pasta Salad
Right, let's talk grub! you want the best ever pasta salad recipes ? it starts with the ingredients. honestly, good ingredients make all the difference, even for a simple easy pasta salad .
Main Ingredients: Sorted!
Alright, here's what you need, doll. Precise, like a surgeon, but don't stress if you're a bit off. Cooking's about fun, innit?
- 1 pound (450g) farfalle pasta. Bow tie pasta is proper charming.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced. Get a shiny one!
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced. Colour's important, yeah?
- 1/2 cup (75g) red onion, finely chopped. No one likes big chunks of onion.
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved. Sweet and juicy they should be.
- 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. The proper salty ones.
- 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled. Greek, if you can swing it.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped. Smells like summer!
For the vinaigrette, and let me tell you, this is key :
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. The good stuff, yeah?
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) red wine vinegar. Adds a right good tang.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled's just not the same.
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard. Smooth, not grainy.
- 1 clove garlic, minced. Go easy if you're not a fan.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano. Makes it taste like the Med.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Obviously!
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
Essential spice combinations? Oregano is vital for that Mediterranean pasta salad vibe. Garlic and Dijon enhance things nicely. Don't be shy with the pepper. A quick pasta salad needs bold flavours, right?
If you're short on red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar will do in a pinch. Honestly, no one will know.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Right, gear. You don't need a spaceship, just:
- A big pot. For the pasta.
- A colander. For draining.
- A large mixing bowl. For all the action.
- A whisk. For the dressing.
- A cutting board and a chef's knife. Obvs.
Don't have a whisk? Fork will do. No fancy chef's knife? Use whatever's sharp. We're making easy cold pasta salad here, not winning MasterChef.
I remember once, i tried to make this for a picnic and forgot the feta. disaster! i ended up using some cheddar i had lurking in the fridge.
It wasn’t the same, but hey, it was still edible. always double-check your ingredients, yeah?
I hope you love this recipe. This picnic pasta salad will absolutely make your picnic a smash hit. Enjoy!
Simply Sensational Summer Pasta Salad: Easy Peasy!
Alright, let's get this show on the road! looking for easy pasta salad recipes? i'm talking a right proper summer picnic, aren't i? this recipe is super quick.
Even mrs. miggins from down the street could make it. "cor blimey, that's a good pasta salad" – guaranteed. it is also one of the best ever pasta salad recipes .
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Essential mise en place is key. dice those bell peppers, chop the red onion finely and halve the cherry tomatoes.
Crumble the feta, and roughly chop your basil. this way you won't be running around like a headless chicken later.
We are trying to create the perfect picnic pasta salad .
Step-by-Step: Dead Easy
- Boil water. Add salt. Cook 1 pound (450g) of farfalle until al dente . About 8- 10 minutes .
- Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking. No one likes mushy pasta.
- Whisk vinaigrette. Olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta with 1 red bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , 1/2 cup red onion , 1 cup cherry tomatoes , 1/2 cup olives , 4 ounces feta .
- Pour dressing over. Toss gently.
- Sprinkle with basil. Chill for 30 minutes at least. Flavours need to mingle.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons
Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is vital. I love it when you achieve the right level of "bite" when you cook pasta.
Avoid soggy salad. Make sure to drain the pasta well. Nobody wants a watery mess. To be honest.
Make-ahead? Absolutely. Prepare a day ahead. Flavours improve overnight! It is perfect as a Mediterranean pasta salad .
Recipe Notes
Fancy elevating your easy pasta salad game? Thought so! Here's a few extra bits to make it absolutely bangin' . Honestly, it's all about those little tweaks, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Right Proper Presentation
Plating matters, even for a simple picnic pasta salad . make it look smashing. toss it in a nice bowl. garnish with a few extra basil leaves.
Oh, and a sprinkle of feta never hurt nobody. think of it as art, mate!
For a proper meal, try serving alongside grilled chicken or some lovely halloumi. a crisp glass of white wine – sauvignon blanc , perhaps? – is the perfect partner.
It's also great with crusty bread. you know, for mopping up all that yummy dressing. this summer pasta salad recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Right, so you've got leftovers? no worries. this easy cold pasta salad keeps well. pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It’ll be good for up to 3 days. honestly, it tastes even better the next day, as the flavours have time to mingle.
Freezing? Nah, wouldn't recommend it. The pasta goes a bit mushy. Reheating? Best enjoyed cold, my friend!
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit
Feeling adventurous? let's jazz things up. for a veggie version, throw in some grilled courgette or aubergine. makes a real difference, it does.
I once added some roasted red peppers, and it was absolutely divine.
Want to swap out the feta? goat cheese or ricotta salata works a treat. don't have red wine vinegar? white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
As for the pasta, you can use penne, rotini, or even bow tie pasta salad works! just make sure to use something relatively the same size.
These best ever pasta salad recipes are flexible.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's talk numbers. each serving of this greek pasta salad recipe has roughly 450 calories , 15g of protein , 25g of fat , and 45g of carbs .
It's also a decent source of fibre. it's not exactly health food, but it's certainly better than a bag of crisps.
Plus, all those veggies are good for you, innit?
So there you have it. all you need to know to make this pasta salad truly your own. don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite.
Honestly, you've got this! it's a quick pasta salad and you'll be enjoying the mediterranean flavors in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my easy pasta salad from becoming soggy?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom, especially not on their pasta salad! First, don't overcook the pasta – al dente is key. Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that can contribute to sogginess. Finally, dress the salad closer to serving time if possible, or keep some dressing on the side for a last-minute drizzle.
What are some good variations I can make to this easy pasta salad?
Fancy a change? You could give it an Italian twist by swapping the feta and olives for mozzarella balls and sun-dried tomatoes, plus a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Or go even further with a mediterranean makeover with artichoke hearts and cucumber. Don't be afraid to experiment with different veggies, cheeses, or even add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein!
Can I make this easy pasta salad ahead of time? How long will it keep?
Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the fridge. It will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Is this pasta salad recipe healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
This easy pasta salad can be a healthy and balanced option! It's packed with vegetables, providing vitamins and fiber. Using whole wheat pasta can also boost the fiber content. To keep it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of feta cheese, use a light olive oil, and load up on extra veggies like spinach or kale.
I'm not a fan of red wine vinegar. Can I substitute it in the vinaigrette for this easy pasta salad recipe?
No worries, you've got options! White wine vinegar is a great substitute and will provide a similar tangy flavor. Apple cider vinegar would also work well, adding a slightly sweeter note. If you're feeling adventurous, a squeeze of extra lemon juice can also brighten up the vinaigrette. Adjust the taste to your liking!
Help! I don't have farfalle pasta. What other pasta shapes can I use in this easy pasta salad?
Fear not! Penne, rotini, or even small shells (conchiglie) would all work perfectly well in this pasta salad. The key is to choose a pasta shape that has ridges or grooves, as this will help the vinaigrette cling to the pasta for maximum flavour. Just cook it al dente and you're golden!
