Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This pasta salad recipe with sausage is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful potluck contribution. Bursting with vibrant colors and incredible taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals that don't compromise on deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your choice!)
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work well)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black olives, drained and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the Sausage: Brown the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds depth of flavor to the entire salad.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the bell peppers and red onion. This helps to keep everything moving along efficiently.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked sausage, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
-
Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is key for a truly delicious pasta salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad and provides a better texture.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your pasta salad will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp are excellent additions to this pasta salad, making it a heartier meal.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini.
- Make it ahead: This pasta salad is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage for a kick!
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Different Cheese: Try using mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan cheese instead of feta.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on sausage type and serving size)
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This easy pasta salad recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also quick and easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy!