Delicious Italian Pasta Salad Recipe: A Summer Favorite

Pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the best of both worlds: pasta and fresh vegetables. This versatile recipe can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal. It's perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends and family.

The key to making an outstanding pasta salad is the balance of flavors and textures. The right combination of ingredients ensures that each bite delivers a delightful mix of tastes and sensations. This particular recipe features a variety of fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, along with cooked penne pasta and a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Let's dive into the preparation steps to create this refreshing pasta salad:

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) of penne pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumbers, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)

Steps to Prepare the Pasta Salad

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to prevent it from continuing to cook in the hot pot.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red bell pepper, and chopped red onion. Mix gently but thoroughly so that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into a small bowl or jar until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure that every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Allow the salad to sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. During this time, you can also garnish it with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve chilled pasta salad on a platter or individual plates adorned with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy it as is or alongside other light dishes for a complete meal.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for small groups of friends or family members enjoying a casual gathering. The total preparation time typically takes around one hour including cooking the pasta, dressing the salad, and letting it sit to allow flavors to develop. You can easily double this recipe if you're hosting larger gatherings.

Additional Tips

To make this dish more substantial, consider adding cooked chicken breast strips or shrimp for protein. This variation would work wonderfully as a main course salad.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, add some mayonnaise to the mixture without altering the overall balance of flavors and textures.
Varying the vegetable selection based on seasonal availability can also enhance the freshness and taste of your pasta salad.

Conclusion

With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and versatile ingredients, pasta salad truly stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're planning for a casual get-together or looking to add some variety to your lunch menu, this recipe offers an easy yet impressive choice. Its adaptability ensures that it can be modified according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Give this pasta salad a try; it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.