Tired of heavy dinners? Craving a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for a warm evening? Look no further! This pasta salad with zucchini is a delightful dish that combines the best of summer produce with the satisfying comfort of pasta. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas, perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking and dietary needs. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the zucchini and thinly slice the red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives. Chop the fresh basil.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
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Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, and basil.
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Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Add the feta cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the salad and has a better texture.
- Roast the zucchini: For a deeper flavor, you can roast the zucchini before adding it to the salad. Simply toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- Add protein: To make this a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or yellow squash.
Variations:
- Spicy Pasta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Include artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Creamy Pasta Salad: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy pasta salad recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. Enjoy this light and refreshing summer meal!