Why Make This Recipe
Zesty Summer Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for warm days. It is refreshing, easy to make, and packed with flavor. This recipe brings together fresh vegetables and creamy feta cheese that everyone will love. It’s great for potlucks, picnics, or simply a light dinner at home. Plus, it can be made in advance, making your meal planning a breeze!
How to Make Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Serve Zesty Summer Pasta Salad in a large bowl for sharing or in individual bowls for a more personal touch. It can be served as a side dish to grilled meats or as a light main dish. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
How to Store Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
You can store leftovers of the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Tips to Make Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
Variation
You can swap out the feta cheese for mozzarella or use different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette for a new flavor. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can also turn this salad into a heartier meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any shape of pasta you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is great to make a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and let the flavors meld overnight.
3. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
You can make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a vegan cheese alternative, and ensure that your dressing is vegan-friendly.
Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini pasta You can use any shape of pasta.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled Can substitute with mozzarella.
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing Alternative dressings like balsamic vinaigrette can be used.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.