Easy Pasta Salad

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Easy Pasta Salad: The Perfect Quick and Flavorful Dish

This Big, Easy Pasta Salad is a go-to recipe for when you’re short on time but still want something tasty and refreshing. With a tangy Dijon cider vinegar dressing, fresh veggies, and a few simple ingredients, this salad is packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad:

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time!
  • Flavor-Packed: The hot pasta soaks up a tangy, Dijon cider vinegar dressing for incredible flavor.
  • Versatile: Make it your own by using whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand.
  • Make-Ahead: Tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or parties!

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad:

  • 3 cups short pasta (e.g., bow ties, shells, or orecchiette)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
  • 1 cucumber, finely sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh basil leaves (or substitute with dill, parsley, mint, or toasted pine nuts)

For the Dijon-Cider Vinegar Dressing:

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey (to balance the sharpness)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix (or your preferred dried herbs)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about ¾ teaspoon salt)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Overcook the pasta slightly—cook it about 2-3 minutes beyond the suggested time on the package. This ensures the pasta is soft enough to absorb the dressing and not turn rock-hard when refrigerated.
  2. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  1. In a jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Shake well until the dressing emulsifies and ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta

  1. Pour the warm pasta into a large bowl.
  2. Add half of the dressing and toss to coat the pasta. Let the pasta absorb the dressing as it cools to room temperature (about 30-40 minutes).

Step 4: Add Veggies and Cheese

  1. Once the pasta has cooled, add the chopped tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and feta to the bowl.
  2. Pour over the remaining dressing and toss everything together. Expect the feta to crumble a bit—that’s perfectly fine!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  1. Tear the basil leaves by hand and gently toss them through the pasta salad.
  2. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. For gatherings, serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

  • Pasta Texture: Overcook the pasta just a little bit to avoid a firm, rock-hard texture when it cools.
  • Sweeten the Dressing: A touch of honey helps mellow the sharpness of the vinegar without adding too much oil.
  • Use Quality Feta: Opt for Greek feta with the PDO label for a more authentic and flavorful result.
  • Herb Substitutions: If basil is hard to find or too expensive, use dill, parsley, or even a mix of mint and parsley for freshness.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This pasta salad is perfect for prepping ahead of time:

  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance for maximum flavor absorption. Just keep the basil separate until you’re ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

  • Yes! Any short pasta works well—think bow ties, shells, or fusilli. Pasta shapes with nooks and crannies hold the dressing and toppings better.

What other veggies can I add?

  • Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers, red onion (if you like them), or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or cherry peppers.

Enjoy this Big, Easy Pasta Salad at your next barbecue, picnic, or meal prep session—it’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser!

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