Summer Pasta Salad

When the sun shines and the days get warmer, nothing beats a refreshing Summer Pasta Salad. This dish is light, colorful, and perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or a simple lunch at home. It combines fresh vegetables with pasta and a tangy dressing, making it a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a Summer Pasta Salad is a great way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer. It’s quick to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is very versatile. You can add or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste. Plus, this salad is not just tasty; it’s nutritious, packed with fresh veggies, and can serve as a main dish or side.

How to Make Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

12 oz dry Rotini pasta
1 tbsp kosher salt
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups mini cucumbers, diced
1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1 cup orange bell peppers, chopped
1 cup yellow bell peppers, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp squeezed lemon juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh minced basil
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Cook the Rotini pasta according to package instructions, adding 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the water. Once done, drain the pasta and let it cool.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, mini cucumbers, and bell peppers together.
In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced basil, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix. Toss everything until well combined.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Summer Pasta Salad

You can serve Summer Pasta Salad as a main dish or as a refreshing side. It pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian option. Adding a sprinkle of extra feta or fresh herbs on top before serving will make it even more appealing.

How to Store Summer Pasta Salad

To store any leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad seems dry after a day, you can add a little olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it.

Tips to Make Summer Pasta Salad

Be sure to let the pasta cool fully before mixing it with the vegetables to avoid wilting them.
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences. Other great options include olives, red onion, or grilled zucchini.
Experiment with additional herbs or spices to enhance flavors, such as oregano or parsley.

Variation

For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad. You can also swap the feta for mozzarella balls or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions.

2. Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge, and it will be ready when you need it.

3. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, Summer Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the taste of summer!