When the weather gets hot, there is no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing cold pasta salad. Cold pasta salad is a great dish to prepare for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or just a regular dinner at home. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This simple cold pasta salad recipe is made with a combination of bow tie pasta, red onion, celery, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, olives, and a tangy Italian dressing. The vegetables are lightly cooked, giving the salad a crunchy texture. The dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and parsley, providing a flavorful and healthy dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bow tie pasta
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse with cold water. Place in a large bowl and let cool.
- Add the diced red onion, celery, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, and olives to the cooled pasta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and parsley.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight.
- Serve cold.
Tips
- This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. If serving as a main course, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or other protein of your choice.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
- Feel free to use whatever vegetables and dressing you like. This recipe is very versatile.
- If making ahead of time, keep the salad in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
One serving of this simple cold pasta salad contains approximately 250 calories. It is low in fat and high in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy meal. It is also high in vitamins and minerals, providing a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store this pasta salad in the refrigerator?
This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this simple cold pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid.
Can I substitute the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile and can be customized to suit any taste. Feel free to substitute or add in any vegetables you like.
Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made vegan by omitting the Italian dressing and using a vegan-friendly alternative such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs. You can also add in vegan-friendly protein sources such as tofu or tempeh.
Can I add protein to this pasta salad?
Yes, you can easily add cooked chicken, shrimp, or other protein of your choice to this pasta salad. This will make it a more substantial meal.
