Sunshine in a Bowl: The Ultimate Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine, even on a gloomy day? This easy pasta salad recipe is like a Mediterranean holiday in a bowl. It's packed with flavour and super easy to make.

Brief Overview

Originating from the sunny shores of the mediterranean, this dish is all about fresh ingredients and simple preparation. this easy pasta salad recipe is dead easy, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare (plus chilling time).

It makes enough for 6-8 hungry people, so perfect for a family gathering.

Main Benefits

Packed with pasta salad with vegetables , this easy pasta salad recipe is a nutritional win. perfect for summer gatherings or a quick easy lunch ideas pasta salad .

What makes this recipe special? it’s vibrant, versatile, and a real crowd-pleaser.

Sunshine in a Bowl: The Ultimate Easy Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:12 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) rotini pasta, penne, or farfalle
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup/75g)
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup/150g)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
• While the pasta is cooking, dice the bell peppers, slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, halve the olives, and dice the cucumber.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently to coat.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350 calories

Fat:18g

Fiber:4g

Recipe Info

Category:Salad

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Sunshine in a Bowl

This mediterranean inspired easy pasta salad recipe is more than just a side dish. it's a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, kinda like a holiday for your taste buds! it’s also amazing as salad side dishes .

Making this quick pasta salad is honestly one of the easiest things you'll do all week. trust me. i used to think making pasta salad was a faff, but this recipe changed everything.

It's a total game-changer for potluck pasta salad situations too. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

What You'll Need

You’ll need your favourite pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle works a treat). get ready with your veg: bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and cucumber.

For the dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano. i like to add some feta cheese and parsley for garnish, but that’s just me.

Get Cooking!

First, cook your salad pasta . it has to be al dente , no soggy pasta allowed. then, chop all those lovely veggies.

Whisk together your dressing in a small bowl, then toss it all together.

I like to let it chill for at least 30 minutes. this really allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully.

Don’t skip this step, it's worth it. you can use gluten-free pasta if you want to change it up.

Tips and Tricks

Don't overcook that pasta! al dente is key. also, chilling it is super important. it really makes a difference in the flavour.

Honestly, taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. i always add a little extra lemon juice.

This salad gets even better the next day. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make it ahead and you'll have this tasty cold pasta ready.

This creamy pasta salad is a perfect blend of taste and convenience.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Pasta Party Started!

Right then, let's talk about what you need to make this smashing easy pasta salad recipe . don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, even i managed it! this salad pasta is all about simple pleasures, yeah? you know, that medditerrean feeling.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Cold Pasta Dish

Here's the lowdown. Get your shopping list ready!

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of rotini, penne or farfalle. Honestly, whatever shape tickles your fancy. Just make sure it's decent quality. No one wants mushy pasta in their summer pasta salad recipes !
• Veggie Goodness: 1 red bell pepper , 1 yellow bell pepper , 1/2 red onion , 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives and 1 cucumber . Aim for vibrant colours! Bright peppers will catch the eye.
• Dressing Time: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff!), 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard, 1 clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

I love using fresh herbs in my salad side dishes , but dried oregano is totally fine here. Adds a lovely Mediterranean vibe. This is perfect potluck pasta salad

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!

Oregano is your key player. don't skimp on it! it just screams sunshine, you know? a little pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you're feeling brave.

For the dressing, fresh lemon juice is always better than bottled. trust me on that one. if you don't have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid (KISS)!

Honestly, you don’t need a fancy chef's kitchen for this quick pasta salad .

• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta. Obvious, right?
• Colander: To drain the pasta. We don't want soggy pasta!
• Large Mixing Bowl: To toss everything together.
• Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works if you're in a jam.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping all those lovely veggies.

And that’s it! Easy peasy. Now go forth and create some creamy pasta magic! You'll have some great easy lunch ideas pasta salad

I think that this Mediterranean pasta salad is very versatile and will be a staple in your family dinners.

Sunshine in a Bowl: Cracking on with the Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Fancy a taste of the med, even if you're just dreaming of sunshine? this easy pasta salad recipe is your ticket! it's like a holiday in a bowl, honest.

Forget soggy sarnies, this is sunshine for your lunchbox. it's bursting with fresh veggies, a tangy dressing, and it's dead easy to make.

Honestly, it's perfect for salad side dishes , potluck pasta salad , or a light meal. plus, it's a total crowd-pleaser.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get prepped. chop your veg – diced bell peppers , sliced red onion , halved cherry tomatoes , kalamata olives , and diced cucumber .

Like a rainbow, innit? also, measure out your dressing ingredients. having everything ready makes it a breeze. a bit of mise en place never hurt anyone.

Step-by-Step: As Easy As Pie (or, you know, Pasta!)

Here’s the skinny on how to make this magic happen:

1. Boil the pasta: Get a big pot of salty water bubbling. Add your rotini pasta , penne , or farfalle . Cook it until it's al dente – about 10- 12 minutes . You don't want it mushy.
2. Cool it down: Drain the pasta. Rinse it with cold water. This stops it cooking and keeps it separate.
3. Whisk the dressing: Mix olive oil , red wine vinegar , lemon juice , Dijon mustard , minced garlic , oregano , salt , and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Combine everything: Toss the pasta, veggies, and dressing in a big bowl. Make sure every bit gets coated.
5. Chill out: Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavours get to know each other.

Pro Tips: Secret Squirrel Stuff

Want to take your pasta salad with vegetables to the next level? Here are a few tricks.

Don’t overcook the pasta. you want it slightly firm, not mush. also, chilling is key! it really lets the flavours meld together.

Finally, taste as you go! add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. you can even make this salad pasta a day ahead! it actually tastes better the next day.

That's perfect for busy bees, innit? plus it is perfect if you need easy lunch ideas pasta salad .

This creamy pasta is just the ticket, so give it a bash. You won't regret it. Enjoy your summer pasta salad recipes , even if the sun's hiding behind the clouds!

Recipe Notes for Sunshine in a Bowl

Alright, let's talk details about this easy pasta salad recipe . You know, the bits and bobs that make it sing. It's more than just chucking stuff in a bowl, honest!

Serving it Up Right

Plating wise, i like to keep it simple. a big bowl in the middle of the table? bang on! if you're feeling fancy, individual bowls are fab.

Presentation is key. a sprinkle of fresh parsley or those salty bits of feta? chefs kiss!.

Salad side dishes are cracking on a warm day. thinking of drinks? a nice chilled glass of white wine does the trick.

Or even a fizzy lemonade. summer in a glass! this mediterranean pasta salad pairs lovely with a cool beverage.

Storing Like a Pro

Storage tips are essential, right? i mean, you don't want a soggy disaster. if you have any leftovers, pop it in an airtight container and straight into the fridge.

It will last for 3-5 days .

Refrigeration guidelines are basic common sense. Don't leave it out at room temperature for too long. Especially in the summer heat. Ew.

This isn't really a freezing kinda dish. The pasta gets a bit weird. And nobody wants that.

Reheating? Nah. This is a cold pasta dish. You want it fresh and chilled. Job done!

Mix It Up a Bit!

Want to shake things up? go for it! dietary adaptations are a breeze with this one. need a dairy-free delight ? just ditch the feta, easy peasy.

You can easily switch up this quick pasta salad .

Fancy something different? Seasonal ingredient swaps work a treat. In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash or some spinach. It will change this Pasta salad with vegetables , a little bit.

Is It Good for Me?

Let’s talk Nutrition Basics . This easy lunch ideas pasta salad has roughly 350 calories a serving. A great potluck pasta salad that tastes good and does you good!

There's also protein, carbs, and healthy fats in there, too. Plus, all those veggies are good for you. Win-win!

Honestly, this creamy pasta salad recipe is so versatile and easy. it's perfect for any occasion and any dietary need.

Summer pasta salad recipes are fun to create and adapt to your taste. so, get in the kitchen, have a play, and enjoy!