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Crunchy Summer Pasta Salad

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A refreshing and colorful Summer Pasta Salad bursting with flavor and crunch, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Pasta (any shape you love; penne or fusilli are perfect for holding dressing)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber, diced
  • ½ small Red Onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup Olives, pitted and sliced (Kalamata or green olives)
  • ¾ cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Chef Tip: Don’t forget to rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to cool it down and stop the cooking process!
  2. Prep the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives, keeping them roughly the same size for a beautiful presentation. Pro Tip: Use a mandoline for perfectly even slices!
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Chef Insight: Add a little zest from the lemon for an extra punch of flavor!
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing, stirring well to coat. Then, gently fold in the chopped veggies and feta cheese. Chef’s Hack: Use a spatula to ensure you’re not mashing the feta; we want that delicious crumbly texture!
  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste your salad! A little extra salt, lemon juice, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavors wonderfully. Nostalgic Twist: If you remember your grandma’s special touch, sprinkle in a bit of dried oregano or Italian seasoning!
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together—a perfect time to sit back, relax, and maybe sip some lemonade. Serving Twist: For an impressive presentation, serve it in a large, shallow bowl topped with extra feta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Notes

This salad tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer recipe, vegetarian, Mediterranean, fresh vegetables, colorful salad

Find it online: https://crunchytable.com/summer-pasta-salad/