Pasta House Salad Recipe

Pasta House Salad Recipe is a delightful dish that always makes me feel satisfied and happy. It combines colorful vegetables, pasta, and a tasty dressing that ties everything together. It is simple to make, and is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a quick lunch.

Ingredients for Pasta House Salad Recipe

Getting the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Pasta House Salad. Here is a list of what you need:

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups tri-colored rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Pasta House Salad Recipe

Cooking the pasta is the first step to making this salad. I love using tri-colored rotini because it adds beautiful colors to the salad.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, I like to prepare the vegetables. Fresh veggies make all the difference in this salad.

  • Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
  • Slice the black olives and red onion thinly.
  • Make sure to set everything aside in a bowl for easy mixing.

Making the Dressing

The dressing is what brings this salad to life. It is easy to whip up and can be adjusted to taste.

  1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic.
  2. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.
  3. Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Combining the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part. Mixing everything together to create a flavorful dish.

  • In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with all the chopped vegetables.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss everything gently.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top to complete the dish.

Chill the Salad

Once I mix everything together, I like to give it some time to chill. Cooling the salad allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.

  • Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid.
  • Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve and Enjoy

This salad is perfect for any occasion. People love it at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.

  • Serve the salad chilled, garnished with fresh parsley.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations of Pasta House Salad Recipe

While the classic Pasta House Salad is delicious, there are many ways to customize it. Here are some fun variations:

Protein Boost

Different Cheeses

  • Feel free to swap feta cheese with mozzarella or parmesan cheese for a change in flavor.

Diverse Vegetables

  • Want to change things up? Consider adding spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.

Herbs and Spices

  • Fresh basil or cilantro can add a nice touch. Spices like oregano or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.

Meal Prep with Pasta House Salad

One of the great things about Pasta House Salad is that it is perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips for making it last:

  • Divide the salad into individual portions. This helps with controlling serving sizes.
  • Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This prevents the pasta from getting soggy.
  • You can also pack the salad in a mason jar. Place the dressing at the bottom, followed by hearty vegetables, pasta, and greens on top.
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Nutritional Benefits of Pasta House Salad Recipe

This Pasta House Salad is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here are some nutritional benefits:

  • Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  • Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Feta cheese: Provides calcium and is lower in fat than many other cheeses.

Enjoy Your Pasta House Salad Recipe

The Pasta House Salad is a versatile dish that everyone will love. With a mix of textures and flavors, every bite is a delight. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out some variations, you cannot go wrong. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen!