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Italian Pasta Salad

Delicious Italian Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad perfect for potlucks or a light summer meal. This easy recipe combines pasta, artichoke hearts, olives, and a zesty Italian dressing.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Ingredients
  • 1 pound Rotini pasta
  • 1 15 ounce can Artichoke hearts drained and quartered
  • 1 15 ounce can Black olives drained and halved
  • 1 Red bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup Red onion chopped
  • 1 14.5 ounce can Diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Fresh basil chopped
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, artichoke hearts, black olives, red bell pepper, red onion, diced tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
  5. Stir in the fresh basil.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day!
  7. Serve chilled. Enjoy!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also substitute other types of pasta, vegetables, or cheeses to your liking. Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.