Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Summer is the perfect time for light and refreshing meals. One dish that shines during this season is Zesty Summer Pasta Salad. It’s colorful, tasty, and easy to make. Packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a zesty dressing, this pasta salad will brighten up any picnic or backyard gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
This Zesty Summer Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s also very flexible! You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and serves well as a side dish or a light main course. With so much flavor and texture, it’s sure to become a summer favorite!
How to Make Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and stir everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy at picnics or potlucks!
How to Serve Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Garnish with some extra feta or fresh herbs for a nice touch.
How to Store Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. You may want to add a little extra dressing if the pasta absorbs too much liquid over time.
Tips to Make Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
- Always let the pasta cool before mixing in the other ingredients to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra flavor and crunch.
- If you want a little kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Variation
To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also swap the Italian dressing for a vinaigrette of your choice.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Bow ties or penne also work great.
2. How long can I make this salad in advance?
You can make this salad up to a day ahead of time. This allows the flavors to blend even more!
3. What can I serve this salad with?
Zesty Summer Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or even with steak. It’s a great side for any summer meal.
Enjoy your Zesty Summer Pasta Salad – it’s sure to make your summer even brighter!
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Zesty Summer Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for summer outings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and stir everything together until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with extra feta or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, Mediterranean salad, light meal