Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Summer Pasta Salad
- The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
- Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
- Customizing Your Pasta Salad
- How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
- Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
Summer pasta salad is a fresh, easy, and delicious dish perfect for gatherings, picnics, and quick dinners. Made with colorful vegetables, a zesty dressing, and tender pasta, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized to fit your tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Pasta Salad
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad to bring a little brightness to your summer meals. This easy recipe from Betty Cooks combines crisp vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a dish that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner, this dish is a go-to favorite.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this summer pasta salad is its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a stand-alone meal for a light lunch. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients
This dish is all about vibrant colors and bold flavors. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, bell peppers bring a subtle crunch, and olives provide a touch of briny goodness. The Italian dressing ties everything together with its tangy and savory taste, making this dish an irresistible addition to any meal.
Customizing Your Pasta Salad
What makes this summer pasta salad even better is how easy it is to customize. Looking for more protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. Want a creamier texture? Toss in some avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless, making this dish adaptable to any preference.
How to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time
If you’re hosting a party or simply want a quick meal option, making this salad in advance is a great idea. Simply prepare all ingredients, store them separately, and mix them with the dressing when you’re ready to serve. This helps keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This summer pasta salad goes well with many dishes. Serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or a light seafood dish for a refreshing and balanced meal. It’s also a fantastic addition to a picnic spread with sandwiches and fruit.
Notes & Tips
For best results, use high-quality Italian dressing or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. To keep the salad fresh longer, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Summer Pasta Salad – Easy & Flavorful Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss gently.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and mix until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
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