Pantry pasta salad –Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up with ingredients from your pantry? Look no further! This Pantry Pasta Salad is not only simple to make, but it’s also refreshing and full of flavor. Perfect for those busy weeknights or a light summer lunch, this salad will soon become a go-to recipe!
Pantry Pasta Salad
This colorful and vibrant salad is packed with tasty vegetables and pasta, making it a satisfying dish that can be served on its own or as a side. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley), for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives. Gently fold these ingredients together until they’re well mixed.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta salad. If you’re using Feta cheese, sprinkle it in at this point as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
- For best results, cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully!
- When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!
This Pantry Pasta Salad is such a versatile recipe, and you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and proteins. Take advantage of what you have on hand, and feel free to get creative! Enjoy your delightful, homemade salad!