Ditalini Pasta Salad
Why Make This Recipe
Ditalini Pasta Salad is a great dish for any occasion. It’s colorful, tasty, and packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re having a picnic, a cookout, or just a family dinner, this salad will impress everyone. Plus, it’s easy to make and you can customize it to fit your taste.
How to Make Ditalini Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ditalini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup 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
Directions:
- Cook the ditalini 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 to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy at your cookout!
How to Serve Ditalini Pasta Salad
Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. It can be a side dish or a main dish. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a nice touch.
How to Store Ditalini Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Tips to Make Ditalini Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing. This helps the veggies stay fresh and crunchy.
- Feel free to add or swap ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding spinach, artichokes, or even pickles for a different flavor.
- If you want a bit of spice, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Variation
You can create a Mediterranean twist by adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. For a lighter version, try using whole wheat ditalini pasta or substitute the feta cheese with a vegan alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I make Ditalini Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and mix it before serving.
2. What can I serve with Ditalini Pasta Salad?
It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread.
3. Can I freeze Ditalini Pasta Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad because the ingredients may become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Ditalini Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A colorful, tasty pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients, perfect for picnics and cookouts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ditalini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup 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 ditalini 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 to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving after refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
