Customizable Pasta Salad - Recipes Website

Customizable Pasta Salad

 

Customizable Pasta Salad

When it comes to summer gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a delicious meal at home, nothing beats a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad. This dish is not only visually appealing with its colorful array of ingredients, but it’s also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Pasta salads are a wonderful way to incorporate a variety of flavors and textures, and this customizable recipe allows you to tailor it to your personal taste. Whether you prefer the crunch of fresh vegetables, the creaminess of cheese, or the satisfying bite of grilled protein, this salad can accommodate all your cravings.

The beauty of this pasta salad lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables or pantry staples you have on hand.

Ingredients:

  • Pasta: 12 ounces (340 grams) of your choice (fusilli, rotini, penne, etc.)
  • Veggies:
    • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 cucumber, diced
    • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
    • ½ cup black olives, sliced
    • ½ cup bell peppers (any color), chopped
    • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Cheese:
    • ½ cup mozzarella or feta, cubed
    • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Dressing:
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • Grilled prawns or chicken for protein
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • ¼ cup almonds or pine nuts for crunch

Instructions:

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
  2. Prep Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and olives. Place them in a large bowl.
  3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies. Stir in the mozzarella or feta, basil, and Parmesan. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold, garnished with extra cheese or basil if desired.

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