Description
Zesty Italian pasta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring al dente pasta, colorful vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing—perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture and gently toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Customize by adding artichokes or spinach for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.