Heritage Pasta Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to the delightful world of Heritage Pasta Salad, a dish that brings together the fresh flavors of the garden with the satisfying bite of al dente pasta. Perfect for any gathering, this salad is a beautiful, vibrant addition to your table, and it’s as tasty as it is colorful.

Ingredients for Heritage Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta is a great choice because its twists and turns hold onto the dressing and other ingredients, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the salad. Cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while red bell pepper contributes a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Red onion offers a sharp, tangy bite. Black olives bring a briny depth that complements the fresh vegetables. Fresh basil and parsley add aromatic, herbaceous notes. Italian dressing ties everything together with its zesty flavor, and a sprinkle of feta cheese (optional) adds a creamy, tangy finish. Don't forget the salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all these flavors!

Tips & Tricks

  • For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. They blend well with the existing flavors.
  • Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
  • Use a high-quality Italian dressing for the best taste, or make your own for a personal touch.
  • To prevent the pasta from sticking, add a drizzle of olive oil after rinsing it with cold water.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad pairs excellently with grilled meats or fish, making it a perfect side dish for BBQs. It also works well as a standalone meal for a light lunch, especially if you add some protein like grilled chicken or tofu. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens to add another layer of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing about 30 minutes before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.
What if I don't like olives?
No problem! Simply leave them out or replace them with sliced pickles or artichoke hearts for a similar briny flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli or penne are good alternatives if you don’t have rotini on hand.

Heritage Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it maintains a pleasant texture in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial because you don't want the pasta to cook any further or become mushy.

While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Make sure each ingredient is cut into bite-sized pieces for ease of eating and even distribution throughout the salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, along with the black olives, basil, and parsley. This is where the salad starts to come to life with its medley of colors and textures.

Pour the Italian dressing over the salad. Start with half a cup, and toss everything gently to combine. Ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing for maximum flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

If you like, sprinkle some feta cheese on top just before serving. This adds a creamy and tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Fresh, crisp vegetables add a healthy crunch and vibrant colors.
  • Customizable with your favorite add-ins or dressing variations.
  • Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

8 oz of rotini pasta
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup of red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup of Italian dressing
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, basil, and parsley.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

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