Easy Pasta Salad

this easy pasta The salad is packed with fresh flavors and is tossed with a simple basil and citrus dressing. It’s a salad that makes you want to eat another bite. So light and delicious, he’s one of our favorite weekday meals in the warmer months and is always a potluck favorite.

Why I Love This Easy Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is one of my family’s favorites because it tastes great, is a great way to use up ripe tomatoes, and is an ideal dinner to serve to the whole family. Plus, it’s a great dish to share with friends, as one batch can serve a lot of people.

The dressing is very light and refreshing, perfect with fresh summer produce.This salad is also very adaptable. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or toss the grilled chicken. I highly recommend leaving the tomatoes in.. Pairs perfectly with fresh basil and mozzarella. You can use whatever you like or have on hand, such as heirlooms, or cherry tomatoes in other colors.

Ingredients for easy pasta salad:

• pasta– I used farfalle (bowtie) pasta, but you can use whatever pasta you have on hand.
• Mozzarella– I love using fresh mozzarella cheese in this salad. Mozzarella pearls work well if you can find them.
• feta cheese– Feta cheese adds saltiness to salads.
• tomato– I like to use cherry tomatoes here, but roma, heirloom, or grape tomatoes all work well.
• green pepper・I used orange as the accent color, but any color is OK!
• cucumber– I like to use thin-skinned English cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, peel and remove the seeds, then chop and add to the salad.
• basil– This salad requires both fresh and dried basil.
• lemon– Keep it fresh!juice and enthusiasm for dressing.bottled lemon juice A pinch works well, but fresh lemon gives a much brighter flavor.
• Olive oil– Olive oil is great, but I often use avocado oil instead.
• Honey– Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing.
• apple cider vinegar– I have only made this with apple cider vinegar, but I think red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar would also work.
• salt and pepper– Season.

How to make an easy pasta salad

1. boil the pasta according to package instructions.Drain and rinse with cold water before placing in a pot big bowl.
2. whisk dressing together Ingredients in small bowls or shaker bottles.
3. chop the vegetables Cut into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl with the pasta. Add cheese.
4. put dressing on Toss over salad to coat.

Tips and Suggestions

replacement

This pasta salad is also very tasty in the basic version shown here, but here are some variations that you can customize for your family.

• Substitute white beans or chickpeas for cheese and stay dairy-free.
• Add shredded chicken or chunks of tuna for a protein boost.
• Change your vegetables! Try zucchini, fresh peas, asparagus, sliced ​​carrots, spinach and more.
• Substitute spinach or romaine for pasta for a delicious green salad.

We love it in almost any way, so experiment and see what your family likes!

storage

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If it’s a little dry, add a little dressing before serving.

serving suggestions

This salad makes a light and delicious dinner, but we also love serving it with this lemon grilled chicken, easy artisan bread, sweet spinach muffins, or a fresh smoothie.

Try more delicious salads: