Easy Pasta Salad for Large Group
A simple and delicious pasta salad perfect for feeding a large group. This make-ahead dish is budget-friendly and packed with flavor.
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 mixing bowl large
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 cup bell peppers chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil. Toss to combine.
Make the Dressing
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Storage
- Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.
Notes
Pro Tips: Make the salad a day ahead for the best flavor. Rinse pasta in cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Substitute feta with goat cheese for a different flavor. How to Serve: Serve chilled and garnish with fresh basil. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the salad a day in advance for enhanced flavor development.