This pasta salad is bright, easy and very tasty.
introduction
This Addictive Crack Pasta Salad is quick to make and loved by many. It mixes simple fresh veg, olives and feta for a crunchy, salty bite. For an easy mix of bases and ideas, see this graham cracker crust guide for another simple recipe idea.
why make this recipe
- It is fast to make and keeps well.
- It uses fresh vegetables and ready pasta.
- It works for picnics, lunches, potlucks and weeknight meals.
- It tastes great cold and appeals to many people.
how to make Addictive Crack Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love Today!
- Cook the pasta until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Let the pasta cool fully before you mix other ingredients.
- Put pasta in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, pepper, olives and feta.
- Mix the dressing: whisk the Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all is coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavours blend.
- Serve cold. If you want to try something different with texture, check this simple graham cracker crust guide for an example of a crunchy idea for sweet dishes.
Ingredients :
- 227 g pasta (your choice)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 120 g cucumber, diced
- 75 g red onion, finely chopped
- 150 g bell pepper, diced
- 70 g black olives, sliced
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 120 ml Italian dressing
- 3 g garlic powder (about 1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, black olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, garlic powder, 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.
how to serve Addictive Crack Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love Today!
- Serve cold as a side dish or light main.
- Add extra feta or fresh herbs on top.
- Pair with grilled chicken or bread for a fuller meal.
how to store Addictive Crack Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love Today!
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keeps well for 3ā4 days.
- If it gets dry, stir in a little more dressing before serving.
tips to make Addictive Crack Pasta Salad That Everyone Will Love Today!
- Cool the pasta fully before mixing to keep salad crisp.
- Chop vegetables into similar sizes for even bites.
- Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper before adding to the salad.
- Use a good quality Italian dressing for the best flavor.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegan: use dairy-free feta and a vegan dressing.
- Add cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken for protein.
- Swap olives for sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Make it a few hours ahead and chill. It keeps well for 3ā4 days.
Q: Can I change the vegetables?
A: Yes. Use what you like or have on hand. Peas, corn or spinach work.
Q: How do I stop the salad from getting soggy?
A: Cool the pasta fully and keep dressing light. Add dressing just before serving if you need longer storage.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
A: No. Freezing will change the texture of the vegetables and feta.
Conclusion
If you like trying salads with bold flavour, you may enjoy this write-up on Hetty Lui McKinnon’s addictive cabbage for more veggie ideas. For another take on a crack pasta salad made vegan, see this Vegan Crack Pasta Salad – Monkey and Me Kitchen Adventures.
Print
Addictive Crack Pasta Salad
This bright and tasty pasta salad mixes fresh vegetables, olives, and feta for a crunchy, salty bite, perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 227 g pasta (your choice)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 120 g cucumber, diced
- 75 g red onion, finely chopped
- 150 g bell pepper, diced
- 70 g black olives, sliced
- 150 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 120 ml Italian dressing
- 3 g garlic powder (about 1 tsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until just tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Let the pasta cool fully before mixing with other ingredients.
- Put pasta in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, pepper, olives and feta.
- Mix the dressing: whisk the Italian dressing, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all is coated.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavours blend.
- Serve cold.
Notes
Cool the pasta fully before mixing to keep salad crisp. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian