Garden Fresh Summer Pasta Salad Perfect for Parties & BBQs
Get ready to be the star of your next summer BBQ with a pasta salad that’s as vibrant as your favorite Hawaiian shirt! This zesty bowtie pasta salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, refreshing cucumbers, and a hint of onion for that extra kick. It’s like a garden party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! Tossed in a homemade dressing so good, it might just steal the spotlight from Uncle Bob’s famous ribs. So grab your shades, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into a dish that screams summer fun!
Why this pasta salad is so good:
- Easily customizable for even the pickiest eaters.
- Make it ahead of time to take to parties, BBQs, or potlucks!
- Double or triple the recipe to serve a large crowd.
- It’s an easy summer side dish or even a light summer main dish.
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad with Feta
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh arugula, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1.2 tsp salt (for cooking pasta)
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper until well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What type of dressing works best for this salad?
If you don’t want to make the homemade dressing, you can use a storebought dressing like: balsamic, Greek, Italian, or even Poppy seed!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great additions if you want to turn this side dish into a more substantial meal.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to cook the bowtie pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Want to make this recipe more festive for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Veteran’s Day?
Add a touch of blue and enhance the patriotic spirit, consider adding blueberries, or use a variety of colored bell peppers (red, yellow, and green).
Serve in a large bowl decorated with flags or arrange it to resemble the American flag with the veggie toppings.
