Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Viral Pasta Salad is the ultimate go-to recipe for any occasion:
- Fresh and Flavorful – The creamy, tangy dressing beautifully complements the fresh, crunchy vegetables and tender pasta.
- Quick and Easy – With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is super simple to make, perfect for those last-minute gatherings or busy days.
- Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies and herbs for a personalized twist.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead – This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, letting the flavors meld together even more.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or enjoying a casual lunch, this salad is sure to impress everyone.
This Viral Pasta Salad is guaranteed to become your go-to recipe for all types of gatherings and meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss the salad to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes (chilling)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
This quick and easy pasta salad is perfect for meal prep or as a side dish for any gathering!
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta is al dente for the best texture.
2. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or spinach for added crunch and freshness.
4. How can I make the dressing creamier?
For a creamier version, mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the Italian dressing.
5. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes! You can substitute feta with mozzarella, goat cheese, or even cheddar if you prefer a different flavor.
6. How can I add more protein to this salad?
You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or any protein of your choice to make this salad more filling.
7. Can I make this salad spicy?
If you like a bit of spice, you can add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.
8. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes! You can use any Italian dressing, but homemade dressing will add an extra layer of flavor.
9. Can I freeze pasta salad?
It’s best served fresh, as freezing will affect the texture of the pasta and vegetables. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
10. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
To prevent the pasta from getting soggy, rinse it well under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it firm.
Conclusion
Viral Pasta Salad is the ultimate fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tender pasta, this salad is a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will love. Make it ahead, serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it as a quick lunch—this pasta salad will be a hit every time!
Viral Pasta Salad: A Burst of Fresh, Vibrant Flavors
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Viral Pasta Salad is a combination of fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and savory herbs, making it a colorful, refreshing, and satisfying dish. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering, this salad is bursting with vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Italian dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad.
- Toss and Chill: Gently toss the salad to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad again and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors!
Notes
Use any short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle, for the best texture.
This salad is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or spinach to customize the salad.
For a creamier version, mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with the Italian dressing.
If you prefer a different cheese, swap feta with mozzarella, goat cheese, or cheddar.
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or your favorite protein to make this salad more filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
