This pasta salad is colorful and fresh, packed with your favorite veggies and tossed in a tasty dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or as a quick side dish at dinner!
I love making this salad because it’s so easy to customize. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Plus, it tastes great cold, so leftovers are a win!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle is fun and holds dressing well, but any pasta like penne or rotini works. For gluten-free options, try rice pasta or quinoa pasta—both have great textures.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If those aren’t on hand, diced bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can bring a unique flavor and texture.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and tang. If you need a dairy-free option, consider crumbled tofu marinated in lemon juice and herbs, or use vegan feta cheese.
Olives: Black olives are tasty and add a briny flavor. Green olives or capers can be good substitutes, just keep in mind they have a stronger taste.
Red Onion: This onion provides a nice crunch and mild flavor. Use green onions for a lighter taste or shallots for a touch of sweetness. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, consider using roasted onions or omit them altogether.
How Do You Make a Simple Yet Flavorful Dressing?
The dressing is key to a great pasta salad, and it’s easy to whip up! The mix of olive oil and red wine vinegar is balanced and enhances the salad’s freshness.
- Start by whisking olive oil and red wine vinegar together in a small bowl.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season. Adjust these based on your taste—start with less salt and add as needed.
- Feel free to use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor, but remember to reduce the amount to keep it balanced.
Once the dressing is combined, give it a taste before adding it to the salad. This way, you can ensure the flavors are just right!
How to Make Pasta Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Extra basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes until you’re enjoying this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add a pinch of salt and the farfalle pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set it aside to let the excess water drain off.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and the torn basil leaves. Give it a good stir to mix everything together gently.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will create a tasty dressing for your salad.
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss everything gently until the pasta and veggies are well coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take the pasta salad out of the fridge. Give it a quick toss to refresh the ingredients, and garnish with additional basil leaves on top. Serve it cool and enjoy this refreshing dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle pasta works great, you can substitute it with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the chosen pasta.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
You can easily turn this pasta salad into a vegan dish by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based feta alternative. Additionally, check that your red wine vinegar is vegan-friendly, as some may not be.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad may lose some crunch, so consider adding fresh vegetables before serving if you want to boost the texture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. You can toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for more heartiness. Just be sure to adjust the dressing quantity if you add more ingredients.
