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Summer Pasta Salad

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins (plus chilling time)
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boil, Toss, Chill
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A light, refreshing pasta salad perfect for warm weather, featuring crisp vegetables, cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to chill.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Add pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta, and basil.
  5. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Make it ahead—marinates well up to 24 hours in the fridge.
  • Feel free to swap feta with mozzarella or add protein like grilled chicken.
  • For a lighter version, reduce oil to 2 tbsp and use low-fat feta.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg