Prep Time 15min Cook Time 1h
Pasta salad is one of my favorite summertime meals. The versatility is never ending so it's always new, but always easy. Add a loaf of crusty bread and fresh lemonade or iced tea and you have a terrific beat-the-heat dinner. Making pasta salad is so simple and this formula will help you on your way to being a pasta salad expert.
by Anne Coleman
What you'll need
- 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta
- 4 cups of a combination of the following:
- garbanzo beans
- Feta cheese
- diced cucumber
- black olives
- diced tomato
- 2 cups balsamic vinaigrette
- fresh oregano and red onion garnish
Helpful Tip:
There are some salads that need a bit more or less dressing, but if you do it often enough, you can get a good idea what is needed beforehand.
Notes:
Yields 8 servings
How to make it
- Cook the pasta until done to desired tenderness and drain well. Al dente is best since soaking in dressing can cause the pasta to become mushy. Cool completely.
- Toss with beans, cheese, cucumber, olives, tomato and dressing.
- Chill for an hour before serving.
