When it comes to easy, light, and delicious meals, a colorful vegetarian pasta salad with feta is a go-to option for any day of the week. This recipe combines the freshness of garden vegetables with the rich tanginess of feta cheese for a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a flavorful side. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch at home, this pasta salad is a versatile and tasty addition to your recipe collection.
Vegetarian Pasta Salad With Feta
Ingredients:
– 8 oz fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and cooked pasta.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley to the salad. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients throughout.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and garnish with extra parsley leaves, if desired.
This vegetarian pasta salad with feta is a delightful dish that offers a balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, the crunch of the bell pepper, and the saltiness of the feta cheese come together with the tangy dressing to create a harmonious blend that will please your taste buds. The colors of the fresh vegetables make this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it your own. You can also make it ahead of time for a convenient meal prep option. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or bring it to a gathering, this vegetarian pasta salad with feta is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and wholesome meal. Enjoy!
