Simple and Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a refreshing dish that combines cooked pasta with an assortment of colorful vegetables, herbs, and creamy or light dressings. This versatile meal can be served at picnics, potlucks, or even as a side to complement your main course. The key to making a perfect pasta salad lies in the balance between the flavors and textures, ensuring that no one element overpowers another.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, but most of it involves preparation and cooling time. This dish serves four people generously as a side or two as a light meal.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 1 pound) pasta of your choice (we recommend elbow macaroni)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced and then finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add the pasta. Cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Mix gently until evenly distributed.

3. Whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in another small bowl to make the dressing. Pour this over the pasta salad mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients thoroughly.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve chilled.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pasta salad turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

• Cook the pasta just right: Overcooked pasta will be mushy and less enjoyable in a salad. Keep an eye on it as you cook!
• Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your vegetables are, the better they’ll taste! Fresh herbs like basil add a vibrant freshness to this dish.
• Let flavors develop: Letting the salad sit in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together. Overnight is best; however, at least 30 minutes of chilling gives time for the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies.

Variations

To suit different tastes or dietary preferences, consider these variations:

• Vegetarian and Vegan Option: Ensure your olive oil is vegan-friendly. You can also add chickpeas for protein or substitute the pasta with whole wheat noodles.
• For a heartier meal: Add some cooked chicken, black beans, or crumbled tofu to turn it into a main dish salad.
• Spice things up: For those who enjoy more heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 12g

This simple pasta salad recipe is a great way to enjoy a fresh, healthy meal that’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you're looking for a side dish or a light main course, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

Garnishing Ideas

For an extra pop of color and flavor, try these garnishes:

• Fresh parsley sprigs
• Cilantro leaves
• Sliced green onions
• Dried cranberries or currants
• Chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.

Enjoy your homemade pasta salad! Not only will it be a hit at family gatherings, but it’s also an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables from the fridge. Plus, you can make larger batches and pack some in containers for quick lunches throughout the week.