Simplest Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and endlessly versatile, the Simplest Pasta Salad is your go-to recipe for effortless gatherings, picnic spreads, or quick weekday meals. Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, crisp red bell pepper, briny black olives, and tangy crumbled feta cheese, this dish is packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. A zesty dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano ties it all together, while a sprinkle of parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal preparation and a chill time that enhances its bold flavors, this easy pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or a refreshing main course, it's proof that simplicity is truly delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 medium Red onion, finely chopped
- 100 grams Black olives, sliced
- 100 grams Feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Allow it to drain completely and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and give it one final toss.
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.8 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.6 g | 118% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 83 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 3028 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.1 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.2 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.6 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 586 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1320 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
