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Easy 5-Ingredient Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for Summer Parties

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A quick and fuss-free pasta salad with just five simple ingredients, perfect for summer barbecues and parties. This refreshing and tangy salad combines rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a homemade vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few cracks of black pepper until combined and slightly thickened.
  4. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and dice 1 medium cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and 1 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated, being careful not to mash the tomatoes or feta.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after chilling. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and cool it quickly. Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for best vinaigrette flavor. Toss salad gently to avoid crushing tomatoes and feta. The salad tastes better after resting at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Adjust salt if feta is very salty. Can be made dairy-free by omitting feta or using plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, 5-ingredient recipe, quick salad, barbecue side dish, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-5-ingredient-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-parties/