The Easiest Pasta Salad 🌟🍝

This pasta salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. It's incredibly easy to whip up and comes together in under 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, and dressings for a personalized touch!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini works best)
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup of bell peppers, diced (any color you like!)
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• A handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried oregano for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (and optional herbs, if using) until well combined.

4. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

🥗 This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad for a boost of protein and to make it more filling. 💪
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and substitute the dressing with a splash of plant-based yogurt and lemon juice for a creamy twist!
• Extra crunch: Toss in some sliced olives, artichoke hearts, or nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts) for added texture.
• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat.

Feel free to get creative and switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or the season. Enjoy your delicious and easy pasta salad! 🍽️❤️