Easy Zesty Garden Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh & Simple

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This zesty garden pasta salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal. Packed with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

The recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh produce while satisfying your cravings.

Easy Zesty Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

A colorful garden pasta salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta cheese in a bowl on a wooden table.

This zesty garden pasta salad features al dente pasta tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, all coated in a tangy vinaigrette. The dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Set aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives, and feta cheese (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.