Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish to whip up for gatherings or even just a cozy night at home—this Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad! It’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish or light meal. I love how easy it is to throw together, and it always impresses my friends and family! Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option, so you can prep it in advance and let all those delicious flavors meld together in the fridge. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad! I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds and totally worth the effort. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a colorful salad ready to impress!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to cook your rotini pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so it has a nice bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool completely. This helps prevent the veggies from wilting when we mix everything together!
Preparing the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooling, it’s time to prep those vibrant veggies! Make sure to wash everything thoroughly. For the cherry tomatoes, just slice them in half; this adds a nice pop of color and juiciness. Dice the cucumber and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces—think about the size of your pasta. Finally, chop the red onion finely; it’ll give a lovely crunch and flavor to the salad. Don’t forget to slice the black olives, too!
Making the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. Here’s a little tip: taste the dressing! If you love a tangy kick, you might want to add a bit more vinegar or salt. Adjusting it to your liking makes all the difference!
Combining Ingredients
Once your pasta is cool and your veggies are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently. Make sure every piece is coated in that delicious dressing—it’s all about those flavors mingling!
Chilling the Salad
Finally, let’s not skip this crucial step: chilling the salad! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows all those flavors to blend beautifully, making each bite even more delightful. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed into this Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad! Each serving is estimated to have around 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option. You’ll get about 12 grams of fat (with just 3 grams of saturated fat), and it boasts 7 grams of protein to keep you feeling full. With 30 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fiber, it’s a great balance for a meal or side dish. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose, but they give you a pretty good idea of what you’re enjoying in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly refreshing—perfect for warm days or as a light side dish!
- Super easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or add-ins.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
- A colorful and vibrant dish that looks stunning on any table.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make your Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad even more delightful! First, don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients—zucchini, carrots, or even artichokes can add a fun twist. If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy touch. For a burst of freshness, toss in some chopped basil or parsley right before serving. And remember, letting the salad chill longer than 30 minutes is totally okay; it only gets better with time! Just give it a good toss before serving to reinvigorate those flavors!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad! You could add roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a warm twist. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can really elevate the flavor—just toss them in right before serving. Want to change the dressing? A balsamic vinaigrette or a zesty lemon dressing would be amazing! You can even throw in some chickpeas for an extra protein boost. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge; it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it extra crisp, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. Reheating isn’t necessary, as this salad is best enjoyed cold. But if you prefer it warm, gently heat it in a pan, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it flavorful. Enjoy the freshness every time!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors have time to meld together in the fridge.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for crumbled goat cheese, mozzarella balls, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Is this pasta salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free rotini pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Chickpeas, black beans, or even grilled chicken would be delicious additions for some extra protein.
How long does the salad last in the fridge?
This Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad stays fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal crunch!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Italian pasta salad recipe or this healthy quinoa chickpea salad!
Print
Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful vegetarian Italian pasta salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or carrots.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad