pasta salad vinaigrette recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta salad vinaigrette recipe

I have always loved pasta salad, and one of my favorite variations is pasta salad with a homemade vinaigrette. This dish is a staple in my household, and I make it often for family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick lunch for my kids. The combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

It’s a refreshing and light dish that can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s especially perfect for summer cookouts. I love that this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and fiber.

Plus, the vinaigrette, made with olive oil and vinegar, is a healthier alternative to creamy dressings. My kids love helping me make this pasta salad, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. They enjoy choosing their favorite vegetables to add, and I love that it encourages them to try new foods.

This pasta salad vinaigrette recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit anyone’s tastes. You can add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. It’s a dish that everyone in my family enjoys, and I know it will be a hit with your family too.

Additionally, the vinaigrette is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge, and it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal or side dish. The pasta salad vinaigrette is a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes for a complete meal.

Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette

4.9 from 1144 votes

This pasta salad with vinaigrette is a refreshing and light dish perfect for summer cookouts and family gatherings. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette that brings out the best in every bite.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

12 oz pasta shapes
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
5Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the Kalamata olives.
6Place all the chopped vegetables and olives in a large mixing bowl.
7In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
11Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables.
12Toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
13Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
14Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and add the crumbled feta cheese.
15Toss gently to combine.
16Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute any type of pasta for the one used in this recipe. You can also add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make this dish your own. If you prefer a thicker vinaigrette, you can add more olive oil. If you prefer a thinner vinaigrette, you can add more vinegar.

This pasta salad vinaigrette recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, and it’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick lunch. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option.

I always make sure to have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up a batch whenever I need a quick and easy side dish. It’s a dish that I know will be a hit with anyone who tries it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do. This pasta salad vinaigrette recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

It’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge, and it’s a dish that can be customized to suit anyone’s tastes. It’s a dish that I know will be a hit with anyone who tries it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do. This is a perfect recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes for a complete meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this recipe. I prefer using pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli because they hold the vinaigrette well, but you can use any shape you prefer.

2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I add protein to this pasta salad?

Absolutely, you can add any protein you like to this pasta salad. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would all be delicious additions. Just cook the protein separately and add it to the salad before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of vinegar for the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can use any type of vinegar you prefer. Red wine vinegar is my favorite, but balsamic, white wine, or apple cider vinegar would also work well. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the vinaigrette will change depending on the type of vinegar you use.

5. Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?

To make this pasta salad gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are many gluten-free pasta options available that would work well in this recipe. Just be sure to check the label to ensure that the pasta is certified gluten-free.

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