Best Pasta Salad
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings? This Best Pasta Salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to this pasta salad?
- Q: Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or rotini work well in this recipe.
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
A: Chilling the salad helps the flavors meld together, but you can serve it immediately if preferred.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the salad.
- To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta salad.
- You can make this pasta salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Secrets:
- To prevent the pasta from sticking together, rinse it with cold water after cooking and drain well.
- For a tangier dressing, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the Italian dressing.
- For a creamy version of this pasta salad, mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the Italian dressing.