Today, I’m excited to share a refreshing recipe that’s perfect for any gathering: Caroline’s Fire and Ice Pasta Salad. This delightful dish is a beautiful blend of flavors and colors, guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to your table. Whether you’re preparing for a picnic, a casual barbecue, or a family dinner, this salad is sure to impress everyone!
Fire and Ice Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is named for its lively ingredients that create a wonderful contrast—think spicy elements mixed with cool and crunchy veggies. Let’s dive into the preparation and make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of corkscrew pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions
- Start by cooking the corkscrew pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will absorb some dressing later. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While your pasta is cooling, prepare your fresh vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Add in the sliced black olives, chopped basil, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). These ingredients will not only add wonderful flavors but also create a vibrant look for your salad.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want to add a bit of heat.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy your Fire and Ice Pasta Salad at your next gathering!
This salad is extremely versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Enjoy every colorful bite!