Best Pasta Salad
A vibrant and healthy pasta salad, bursting with fresh flavors from cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a delightful olive oil dressing, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta Provides the base of the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Adds a burst of juicy sweetness.
- 1 cup cucumber Offers a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 cup olives Brings a briny flavor.
- 1 cup feta cheese Adds creamy texture and tang.
- 1/4 cup red onion Gives a sharp bite.
- 1/4 cup olive oil Essential for dressing.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Adds a tangy kick.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavor.
- to taste salt For seasoning.
- to taste pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dice the cucumber and red onion to ensure even sizes.
- Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese.
Assemble
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced olives, and red onion.
- Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar, and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Chill & Serve
- Cover the pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and dish it up.
Notes
For optimal flavor, prepare a day ahead. Can substitute whole wheat pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta for gluten-free options. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.