Pasta Salad

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🥗 Pasta Salad Recipe

Description

Pasta Salad is a refreshing, versatile dish made with cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing. It can be served cold or at room temperature and works perfectly as a side dish, light lunch, or party meal. This recipe is easy to customize with proteins, cheeses, or different dressings to suit any taste or occasion.

⏱️ Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

📝 Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups dry pasta (fusilli, penne, rotini, or bow-tie)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cup cucumber, diced

  • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced

  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

  • ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)

  • ½ cup mozzarella cubes or feta cheese (optional)

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

  2. Prepare Vegetables
    Chop all vegetables and place them in a large mixing bowl.

  3. Make the Dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  4. Combine
    Add cooked pasta to the vegetables. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

  5. Add Cheese & Herbs
    Stir in cheese and fresh herbs.

  6. Chill & Serve
    Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

📌 Notes

  • Rinsing pasta helps keep the salad light and prevents sticking.

  • This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

  • You can prepare it a day in advance.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas.

  • Vegan option: Skip cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.

  • Creamy version: Replace vinaigrette with mayo or Greek yogurt dressing.

  • Extra flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or roasted vegetables.

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 280 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 35 g

  • Protein: 8 g

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 320 mg

(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)

🌿 Health Benefits

  • Provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates

  • Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh vegetables

  • Can be high in protein when paired with legumes or meat

  • Light, hydrating, and digestion-friendly

  • Easily adaptable for balanced meal planning

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s ideal for meal prep and stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Q: What pasta works best for pasta salad?
A: Short, ridged pasta like rotini or fusilli holds dressing best.

Q: How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
A: Add a little extra dressing before serving or drizzle olive oil and toss.

Q: Can I serve pasta salad warm?
A: Yes, but it’s traditionally served chilled or at room temperature.

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