Discover a Delicious and Easy Shell Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a simple and delightful dish to add to your next gathering or to enjoy as a light meal on a sunny day? This shell pasta salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a refreshing pasta salad, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into the ingredients and directions for creating this delectable dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare the shell pasta salad:

• 1 pound shell pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss until everything is well coated.
5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve the shell pasta salad as a side dish or as a standalone meal. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I add other vegetables to the pasta salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or even some fresh spinach.

How long can the pasta salad be stored in the refrigerator?

The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving any leftovers.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a thorough mix before serving.

Is it possible to make the pasta salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative to suit your dietary preferences.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

While shell pasta works beautifully in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle (bowtie), or penne.

We hope this shell pasta salad recipe becomes a staple in your culinary repertoire, bringing joy to your table with its delightful medley of flavors and ease of preparation.