This colorful pasta salad is perfect for any gathering! With tasty veggies, pasta, and a light dressing, it’s fresh and vibrant. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
I love serving it on warm days when everyone is outside. It’s like a party in a bowl! Just mix it up and watch it disappear—everyone will be coming back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I often use farfalle for its fun shape, but you can switch it up with any pasta you prefer. Penne or fusilli work great, too! Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and burst with flavor in this salad. If they’re out of season, try grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes in a pinch.
Cucumber: I like using English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a crisp texture. Regular cucumbers are fine, just peel if the skin is tough.
Olives: While black olives add a nice briny taste, you could use green olives for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of olives, feel free to skip them entirely!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a tangy contrast to the salad. Crumbled goat cheese or even cubed mozzarella can be tasty substitutes depending on your taste.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely aroma. In winter, dried basil works, but be sure to use much less as it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make the Perfect Pasta Salad?
Getting your pasta salad just right can be tricky. The key is cooking your pasta and letting the flavors blend well. Here’s how to make it work:
- Cook pasta until **al dente**. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
- Mix your fresh ingredients in a large bowl first. This helps distribute flavors and textures before adding pasta.
- Whisk your dressing separately to blend flavors. Drizzle it over the salad right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Let it sit! The longer it rests, the more the flavors blend. Aim for at least 15 minutes, but an hour in the fridge does wonders!
Feel free to play around with ingredients and find what you love best!
How to Make Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and requires at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If you want to chill it longer, that’s totally fine! It’s a great dish to make ahead of time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s cooked, drain it well and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool the pasta down and stops it from cooking any further.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, black olives (if you’re using them), crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion (if you like), and the torn basil leaves. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—more salt or pepper if you like it a bit spicier!
4. Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together carefully until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. It’s important to be gentle to keep the pasta intact. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, you can serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature. If you want, garnish with a few extra basil leaves for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious pasta salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute farfalle with any pasta you enjoy, such as fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat options. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions, and rinse under cold water to cool it down before adding the other ingredients.
How to Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, but the vegetables may become softer. If you prefer a crisper texture, try adding fresh cucumber and tomatoes when serving leftovers.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Ingredients?
Definitely! This pasta salad is versatile. Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or even cooked chickpeas for extra fiber and protein. Adjust the dressing quantities if you add more ingredients to ensure everything is well coated.
How to Make a Gluten-Free Version?
For a gluten-free pasta salad, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. There are many great gluten-free options available, such as brown rice or corn-based pasta. Just follow the cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious and safe meal!
