There’s something magical about a bowl of Farm Stand Pasta Salad that captures the essence of summer. Picture this: a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. peach watermelon salad This dish doesn’t just flatter your palate; it practically sings when you take that first bite, bursting with flavor and freshness.

Now, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon at my local farmer’s market, where the colors of ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers made me feel like I had stumbled into a paint palette. That day, I decided to create something special with my finds—a Farm Stand Pasta Salad that turned out to be the talk of the picnic! With every forkful, I felt the warmth of summer memories and laughter shared with friends.

I remember serving this delightful salad at a family barbecue last year, and everyone asked for seconds—definitely a hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type; I love rotini for its ability to hold onto dressings and flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for vibrant red or yellow ones for sweetness; they add color and juiciness to the salad.
• Cucumber: Refreshing and crunchy, choose firm cucumbers for the best texture.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a slight zing; soak in cold water before use to mellow its flavor.
• Bell Peppers: Any color works! They add crunch and sweetness; chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creaminess and tang; feel free to use goat cheese if you prefer.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley brings freshness; always chop them right before adding for maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate your dressing’s flavor significantly.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth; choose a good quality vinegar for best results.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in about 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—aim for that perfect chewy texture.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion. quick roasted red pepper pasta The vibrant colors will make your salad pop visually!

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil with 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste—it should be zesty but balanced.

Toss Everything Together: Once your pasta has cooled slightly after draining (no one likes soggy salad), combine it in a big bowl with all your chopped veggies. Pour over that delicious dressing.

Add Feta & Herbs: Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top along with freshly chopped herbs. Give everything a gentle toss so all ingredients are well mixed without breaking up too much feta.

Chill & Serve: For best results, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully before serving. refreshing orzo salad Enjoy this refreshing Farm Stand Pasta Salad at your next gathering!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then cool it quickly in cold water. While it’s cooling, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing. This sequence ensures everything mixes well and stays fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas can elevate your Farm Stand Pasta Salad into a full meal. cilantro lime chicken dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To enjoy later, serve cold directly from the fridge for the best taste and texture.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a sunny picnic day when my friends devoured every last bite of my Farm Stand Pasta Salad. They begged for the recipe, claiming it was pure magic—a true testament to fresh ingredients! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Bangers And Mash recipe.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Farm Stand Pasta Salad?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully; just follow package instructions for cooking times.

What dressings work best with this pasta salad?

A lemon vinaigrette or Italian dressing enhances freshness and complements the veggies perfectly.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Simply omit cheese and use a vegan dressing; it’ll still be deliciously satisfying!

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Farm Stand Pasta Salad

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing bowl of Farm Stand Pasta Salad that captures the essence of summer! This vibrant dish combines al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners, this salad is sure to impress your guests while providing a burst of freshness in every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and cool under cold water.
2. While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
5. Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs. Toss lightly to combine.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 20mg