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- 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup black olives, sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste For this Quick Italian Pasta Salad, you need fresh, colorful ingredients. The rotini pasta acts as a great base. It holds the dressing well and mixes easily with other veggies. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst, while cucumbers give a nice crunch. The bell pepper adds color and flavor. Red onion brings a sharp taste, but you can use green onions if you prefer a milder flavor. Black olives add a briny touch that pairs well with feta cheese. Feta adds creaminess and tang, making each bite delightful. Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma and taste, tying all the flavors together. - Optional add-ins (e.g., grilled chicken, artichokes) - Substitute ingredients for dietary preferences Feel free to mix in grilled chicken for protein or artichokes for extra flavor. You can also swap out the feta for a dairy-free cheese if needed. There are many ways to make this dish your own, so be creative! You can check the Full Recipe for more ideas. To start, you need to boil the rotini pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of rotini pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinsing the pasta is key. Run cold water over it to stop the cooking. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. Set the cooled pasta aside for mixing. Now it’s time to combine fresh vegetables with the pasta. In a large bowl, add the cooled rotini, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix these fresh ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them together. This way, you ensure everything is evenly distributed. The colors and textures will make your salad pop! Next, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Add a pinch of salt and some freshly ground pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well mixed. You want a slightly thickened consistency. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Drizzle the dressing over your pasta salad. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated in the delicious dressing. For the final touch, fold in the chopped fresh basil. This adds an aromatic finish that enhances the Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy your vibrant salad! For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. - Chop your veggies the night before. This saves time when you cook. - Use store-bought dressing if you’re in a hurry. It can taste great too. - Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. - Taste the salad after mixing. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. - Serve the salad in a large, bright bowl to show off its colors. - Add whole basil leaves on top for a nice touch. A sprinkle of feta looks great too. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Start by adding more vegetables. Try adding artichokes, zucchini, or even spinach. These add color and taste. You can also switch the feta cheese. Use mozzarella or a vegan cheese if you prefer. This gives a creamy texture while keeping it plant-based. To make your pasta salad a complete meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. Cook them simply with salt and pepper, then slice or chop. Mix them into your salad for added protein. This not only boosts nutrition but makes it more filling. You can also use chickpeas for a vegetarian protein option. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the rotini with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook well. Always check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free too. This includes dressing and any cheese to ensure your dish meets gluten-free needs. To store leftovers, first, let the pasta salad cool. This step helps keep the flavors fresh. Use an airtight container to prevent air from spoiling the taste. Make sure to fill the container, leaving little empty space. This keeps the salad fresh longer. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze pasta salad, but some ingredients may change in texture. If you wish to freeze it, follow these steps: - Prepare the salad without adding fresh ingredients like tomatoes or cucumbers. - Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. - Label it with the date and type of salad. - Freeze for up to a month. Before serving, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To refresh the salad before serving, add a splash of olive oil. This helps revive the flavors. You can also toss in fresh herbs to boost the taste. Avoid reheating the salad in the microwave. This can make the veggies soggy. Instead, serve it cold or at room temperature. Enjoy your Quick Italian Pasta Salad with friends and family! The prep time for Quick Italian Pasta Salad is 15 minutes. The total time to make it is 30 minutes. This includes cooking the pasta and mixing all the fresh ingredients. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend making it up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to blend well together. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Absolutely! You can use other pasta types instead of rotini. Good options include penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook them until al dente. If you want a different dressing, you can use creamy dressings. Ranch or Italian dressing works well. Store-bought options can save you time and still taste great. When stored properly, this salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. To make a great Quick Italian Pasta Salad, start with the right ingredients and follow easy steps. You can mix fresh veggies with rotini pasta, drizzle on a tasty dressing, and enjoy a healthy meal. Remember, you can change ingredients based on your likes or needs. Try new flavors, save time with prep tips, and store leftovers well. This salad is not just simple; it’s also flexible. You can enjoy it in many ways to fit your taste. Happy cooking!

Quick Italian Pasta Salad

Discover the delightful flavors of Mediterranean Bliss Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion! This vibrant salad combines rotini pasta with fresh veggies, olives, and creamy feta for a dish that's not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh basil, it's a healthy and tasty option for warm days. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil, loosely packed and chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool the pasta down. Set aside.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and the crumbled feta cheese. Gently mix all the fresh ingredients together until evenly distributed.

      In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is well emulsified and slightly thickened.

        Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and carefully toss all the ingredients together until the sauce beautifully coats every element of the salad.

          Fold in the chopped fresh basil for an aromatic finish that captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.

            For optimal flavor, allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the vibrant salad in a large, decorative bowl. Add extra whole basil leaves as a fragrant garnish and sprinkle additional crumbled feta on top to enhance the dish's visual appeal and freshness.