Ah, pasta salad! This pasta salad comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s a no-cook delight that’s perfect for a weeknight meal your family will love! The best part? You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. So if the kids are about to burst your dinner time bubble, this is the ultimate go-to recipe to clear out those odds and ends while serving up something light and refreshing.
Ingredient Breakdown
For this delicious pasta salad, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces pasta (I personally love rotini or penne for that extra bite!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (because honestly, who doesn’t love that burst of sweetness?)
- 1 cucumber, diced (adds a lovely crunch)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (pick your favorite color; I usually go for red for those happy vibes)
- 1/4 red onion, chopped (not too much; we don’t want to scare the kids off from this dish!)
- 1 cup olives, sliced (you can go with black or green, depending on your family’s preferences)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for that creamy tang!)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought is totally fine, but homemade is sublime if you have time)
- Salt and pepper to taste (a couple pinches, really)
Substitution Suggestions
Now, let’s not forget how versatile this dish is! If you’re missing something or just want to switch things up here are some ideas:
- Pasta: Any short pasta works, your kids might even prefer bowtie shapes!
- Vegetables: Add or replace with broccoli, spinach, or shredded carrots.
- Cheese: Swap feta for mozzarella or go dairy-free with a tasty nut cheese.
- Dressing: Feel free to experiment with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing.
You see? This pasta salad is your perfect little canvas!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions; usually, boiling for about 8-10 minutes is just right. Drain the pasta and let it cool, don’t forget to give it a good rinse under cold water so it doesn’t stick together!
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Just imagine all that vibrant color coming together, it’s a feast for the eyes!
Pour that Italian dressing all over the pasta and veggies. I like to drizzle a little, then stir, and top it off with a bit more. Just toss until everything is well coated; you’re getting a rainbow of flavors in every bite!
Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Seriously, you’ll want a little seasoning to bring all that goodness out, but I’d say start low and build it up as you go.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step is key! It allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, so don’t skip it!
And voila! Watch as your family digs in, and you’re left with an empty bowl and happy smiles.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, colorful, and packed with flavor for my family. It’s a comfort food classic, and I honestly can never have enough of it! I’m a real sucker for fresh, vibrant dishes that remind me of gatherings with loved ones on warm summer evenings. The best part is that you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, and it still turns out amazing every time. Trust me on this one!
If you loved this pasta salad, be sure to check out my Ground Chicken with Pasta, my Easy Baked Feta Pasta, or my Healthy Broccoli Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This pasta salad comes together all in about 30 minutes. Seriously, what’s better than that? Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s light, fresh, and loaded with flavor!
Budget-Friendly
You won’t break the bank with this dish. Using everyday ingredients makes it super affordable, so no worries there!
Make-Ahead Friendly
This dish actually tastes better the longer it sits! Perfect for meal prep, just whip it up a day ahead, and you’ve got lunch or dinner sorted for the week.
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me, when you serve this at gatherings, everyone will be going back for seconds. It’s colorful, flavorful, and one bite will have everyone asking for your secret!
Customizable
The fantastic part is just how adaptable this recipe is. You really can use whatever ingredients you have on hand, which ensures that it never gets dull. A little broccoli, some shredded chicken, or even quinoa can elevate it even further if you’re looking for a carbs switch-up!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Pasta Salad
This delicious pasta salad is perfect on its own but also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. Looking for a little crunch? Serve it alongside some crusty bread or a light soup. You can even enjoy it as a refreshing light lunch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend giving it a little stir before serving again to redistribute any settled dressing.
Reheating Instructions
This dish is best served cold, but if you want to reheat, just do it gently in a skillet for a few minutes, or you can pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds you might lose some of the fresh crunch, but it’s still delicious.
Freezer Friendly?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pasta salad. Ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes might turn mushy, and that creamy feta? Let’s just say it’s better enjoyed fresh!
If you’re ever looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels a bit special but doesn’t break a sweat, this pasta salad is where it’s at. Cozy vibes, fresh ingredients, and tons of flavor unite in a bowl. Happy cooking, friends!
I know I got a little chatty there, but I really hope this delicious pasta salad becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine. It truly captures the essence of home-cooked warmth, because at the end of the day, food is all about love, family, and those delicious moments shared together around the dinner table! So go on and try it today trust me, you won’t regret it! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Quick Easy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy pasta salad that’s perfect for a weeknight meal, packed with vibrant flavors and colors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes), drain and cool under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour Italian dressing over the pasta and veggies, stirring until well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This pasta salad is perfect for using up odds and ends in your fridge. Customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
