Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies – 5-Minute Delight

There’s nothing quite like a vibrant bowl of Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies to brighten up a warm afternoon. Picture this: colorful pasta twirling around bright bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and zesty olives, all mingling together in a delightful dance of flavors. refreshing strawberry cucumber salad This dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also a deliciously refreshing experience that will have you dreaming of summer picnics and backyard barbecues. Mediterranean chicken with olives. For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.

Now, let me take you back to the time I tried to impress my friends with my culinary skills. Imagine me, a novice cook, tossing ingredients into a bowl like I was on a cooking show. Spoiler alert: it turned out fabulous! This Easy Pasta Salad became the star of the potluck, and everyone wanted the secret recipe. creamy lemon ricotta orzo Little did they know how simple it really was! Perfect for gatherings or as an everyday meal, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied without breaking a sweat.

I still chuckle when I think about my friends’ surprised faces as they devoured my pasta salad.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose any type you love—penne or rotini works best for holding onto dressing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for plump, ripe tomatoes that burst with flavor when bitten into.
• Cucumber: Pick fresh cucumbers for their crunch; they add that perfect refreshing bite.
• Bell Peppers: Use assorted colors for visual appeal; sweet red, yellow, or green will brighten the dish.
• Red Onion: A small amount adds zing without overpowering the other flavors; chop finely.
• Olives: Green or black olives add saltiness and depth—choose your favorite type!
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang that complements the veggies beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; drizzle generously.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds acidity; choose aged balsamic for extra sweetness and complexity.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Chopped herbs bring freshness; don’t skip this crucial step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt once boiling and toss in your choice of pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces. The more colorful your veggies are, the prettier your salad will be!

Toss in Feta and Herbs: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies. Crumble feta cheese on top and sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over everything. The aroma at this point should be heavenly!

Add Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Pour this dressing over your pasta mixture for added flavor.

Mix It Up!: Gently toss everything together until well coated with dressing. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed so each bite is as delightful as the last!

Chill Before Serving: Allow your Easy Pasta Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld all those wonderful flavors together beautifully.

Now you know how to whip up an Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies that’s sure to impress without causing any kitchen chaos! Enjoy every colorful bite! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling water for the pasta while you chop your veggies. This multitasking ensures everything comes together seamlessly, making your meal prep efficient and enjoyable.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or add proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken. A sprinkle of feta cheese can also elevate the dish to gourmet status.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, enjoy cold without reheating, but if necessary, a quick microwave stint will do. homemade salsa for dipping.

Creating this Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies was a game-changer during my college years. Friends would drop by unexpectedly, and I’d whip up this dish in no time, impressing everyone with my culinary ‘skills’—which mostly involved boiling pasta!

FAQ

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well and actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight.

What type of pasta works best?

Any short pasta works well; fusilli or penne are great choices for holding dressing.

How do I make it vegan?

Simply skip cheese and use a vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar for flavor.

Print

Easy Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Brighten your day with this refreshing Easy Pasta Salad packed with vibrant vegetables and zesty flavors. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese tossed in a tangy dressing, every bite offers a delightful crunch that celebrates the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup olives (green or black), sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies. Add crumbled feta and chopped herbs on top.
4. Whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl; pour over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize this salad by adding seasonal vegetables or proteins like chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.