Pasta House Salad Recipe
Pasta House Salad Recipe
Table of Contents
Pasta House Salad Recipe
This Pasta House Salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and savory flavors. Perfect for a side dish or a light meal, it combines pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing that will leave your taste buds satisfied. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to please.
Description
The Pasta House Salad Recipe is a vibrant and versatile dish that makes a perfect addition to any meal. This salad not only showcases the beauty of fresh ingredients but also offers a burst of flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. With its combination of pasta, colorful vegetables, and a zesty dressing, it’s an ideal choice for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch.
The Perfect Base
At the heart of this salad is the pasta. Opt for a short pasta like rotini or penne, which holds the dressing and pairs wonderfully with the crunchy vegetables. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it retains a firm texture, making the salad more enjoyable.
Fresh Vegetables
Incorporating a variety of vegetables adds both flavor and nutrition to the dish. Chopped bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offer a colorful contrast and contribute to the salad’s overall crunch. You can also add red onions for a hint of sharpness and black olives for a briny touch.
Flavorful Dressing
The dressing is a key component of this Pasta House Salad recipe. A simple mix of olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and a touch of garlic creates a delightful dressing that enhances the salad without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Customizable Ingredients
One of the best aspects of this Pasta House Salad Recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish, or toss in some feta cheese for a creamy element. The possibilities are endless.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Pasta House Salad Recipe can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Simply store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
A Crowd Pleaser
Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or as part of a family dinner, this Pasta House Salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The combination of flavors and textures makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
Packed with carbohydrates from the pasta and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this salad provides a balanced option for any meal. You can feel good about serving this dish, knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top and gently mix.
- Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Enjoy!
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Pasta House Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup bell peppers diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese optional
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle feta cheese on top and gently mix.
- Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customization: Feel free to add proteins or other vegetables like spinach or arugula for variation.
- Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
