When the weather is hot and your kitchen is stuffy, no one wants to turn on the stove. Enter this easy pasta salad, which is the perfect meal to make ahead of time. This pasta salad is simple to make, packed with fresh and flavorful vegetables, and tossed in a light and tangy Italian dressing. It’s the perfect no-cook meal when you’re short on time.
This pasta salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts. The vegetables are tossed in a light and tangy Italian dressing. If you don’t have all the of the vegetables listed, substitute your favorites or use what’s fresh at the market!
The Italian dressing is what really makes this pasta salad special. It’s made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. The dressing is light and tangy, with a hint of sweetness from the honey. It’s the perfect complement to the fresh vegetables in the salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup olives, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone spatula
How To Make
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese.
To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, and honey in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Serve immediately or chill for later. This pasta salad is perfect for a summer picnic, potluck, or BBQ.
Tips and Possible Variations
Here are a few tips for making the best pasta salad:
- Use the freshest vegetables you can find.
- If you don’t have all the vegetables listed, substitute your favorites or use what’s fresh at the market.
- You can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad for extra protein.
- If you want the salad to be a little spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Here are some possible variations of this pasta salad:
- Instead of using Italian dressing, try using a different type of dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-herb dressing.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs to the salad, such as basil or parsley.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle
Enjoy this delicious and easy pasta salad!