A Burst of Flavour: Budget-Friendly Springtime Pasta Salad Recipe
As spring paints the world with vibrant colours and a breath of freshness, it's the perfect time to indulge in light, flavourful dishes that capture the essence of the season. Our budget-friendly Springtime Pasta Salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of the bountiful produce that this time of year brings. With simple ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can whip up this delicious recipe that's sure to become a springtime favourite.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (mix of colours), diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it to your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool down the pasta for the salad.
- Prep the Veggies: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh basil. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, sliced red onion, and sliced black olives. Toss everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Flavor: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Gently toss again to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. The combination of olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and rich flavor to the salad.
- Season and Garnish: Season the salad with salt and pepper according to your taste. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top for a burst of colour and additional layers of taste.
- Chill and Serve: Once the salad is well mixed and dressed, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. When you're ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and garnishes.
This Springtime Pasta Salad is not only a treat for your palate but also a visual delight, showcasing the hues and freshness of spring. It's the perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and satisfying lunch. With minimal effort and cost, you can enjoy a flavourful and nutritious springtime meal that embodies the season's spirit of renewal and abundance.
