Name: Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces 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

Description

This Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at your next gathering. Combining tender rotini pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty red wine vinegar dressing, it’s a flavorful and colorful salad that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces rotini pasta

Vegetables & Cheese

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

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and allow to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
Combine vegetables and cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute evenly.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Chill before serving: Transfer the pasta salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become refreshingly cool when served.

Notes

Use rotini or any short pasta shape that holds the dressing well.
You can substitute feta cheese with a vegan cheese option to make this salad vegan-friendly.
Add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for extra aroma and taste.
Ensure the pasta is cooled before mixing to prevent the vegetables from wilting.
This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.