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Family-Friendly and Fabulous: The Perfect Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

Did you know that pasta salads can be traced back to ancient Rome, where early versions were seasoned with a mixture of vinegar, oil, and herbs? Add a pinch of tech and we bring you a modern twist on this timeless classic, courtesy of our generative AI assistant. Get ready to unlock the potential of your pantry as we present you with a simple pasta salad recipe that's both delicious and nutritious. Let's delve into this culinary adventure together. And by ‘together’, we mean that this pasta salad recipe serves as an excellent opportunity to involve the kiddos in the kitchen and ignite their passion for cooking nutritious meals. Empowering kids to prepare their own food not only instills a sense of independence and responsibility but also helps them develop essential culinary skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.  The simplicity of this recipe makes it an ideal starting point for budding chefs. From measuring and boiling the pasta to chopping fresh ingredients and whisking together the tangy dressing, children can actively participate in every step of the process. As they witness the transformation of individual ingredients into a vibrant and wholesome dish, they'll gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of balanced nutrition and the satisfaction that comes with creating something with their own hands.  Cooking with kids is a wonderful way to foster creativity, promote healthy eating habits, and create lasting memories in the heart of the home - the kitchen. Needless to say (although a human editor felt compelled to say it anyway), please make sure to monitor and assist children in the kitchen until they are old enough to know how to handle the heat. And take a moment to browse our vegetarian recipes page if you're looking for more fresh, crunchy veg meals for hot summer days. 
Editor's Note: This blog post, recipe, and accompanying images were generated by one or more Generative artificial intelligence tools and was fact-checked and / or lightly edited for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure the final recipe is safe for general human consumption. 
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 15 15 mins Total Time: 15 mins
Servings 4
Best Season Summer
Description

Unlock the potential of your pantry with this simple, fresh pasta salad recipe that's both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients
    For the pasta salad:
  • 8 ounces fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes olive oil (halved)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
    • For the dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions

  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and 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, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

  4. Add the cooked and cooled fusilli pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is coated in the dressing.

  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more lemon juice or olive oil according to your preference.

  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

  7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. You can garnish with some additional chopped parsley if desired.

    This pasta salad can be served chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts
Note

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, or substituting the feta cheese with another type of cheese you have on hand.

Keywords: pasta salad, simple dishes, summer meals
Read it online: https://pinchofai.com/recipe/simple-pasta-salad-recipe/
Pinch of AI