Why Make This Recipe
Easy pasta salad is a great dish for any occasion. It’s quick to make and perfect for lunch, picnics, or gatherings. This salad packs fresh flavors and colors, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 85g/3oz pasta, such as penne or conchiglie
- ½ unwaxed lemon, finely grated zest and juice
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ tbsp olive oil, ideally extra virgin
- ¼ cucumber, peeled and cubed
- 100g/3½oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 15g/½oz fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 60g/2¼oz feta, crumbled (optional)
- Handful pitted black olives (optional)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in a saucepan of boiling, salted water according to the packet instructions.
- Whisk together the lemon zest and juice, red onion, olive oil, and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water until it is cool.
- Stir the dressing, cucumber, tomatoes, basil, feta, and olives (if you are using them) into the pasta. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad
You can serve easy pasta salad as a main dish or a side dish. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or is simply tasty by itself. For a nice touch, add some extra basil or a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving.
How to Store Easy Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. However, if you have added feta or olives, they may change the texture over time, so it’s best to enjoy them soon after making.
Tips to Make Easy Pasta Salad
- Use any pasta shape you like. Smaller shapes work well for salads.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for more crunch and color.
- Let the salad sit for a bit in the fridge before serving for the flavors to mix well.
Variation
You can change this recipe up by adding proteins such as grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas. This will make your salad more filling and satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add diced bell peppers, radishes, or grilled vegetables. Nuts or seeds can also add a nice crunch.
3. Is it okay to eat cold pasta salads?
Absolutely! Pasta salads are usually served cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for warm weather meals.
