Description
Italian Chop Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing. Each bite offers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor, making it an ideal addition to any gathering. This recipe evokes the warmth of Italian picnics and brings friends and family together over deliciousness. Perfect for potlucks or casual meals, this salad is not just food; it’s an experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, combine chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and pour the dressing over it. Mix well.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and gently mix to combine.
- Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes for optimal flavor blending before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for added variety. - For a dairy-free version, substitute feta cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it altogether.