Perfect Pasta Salad for a Summer Picnic

In the heart of summer when fresh ingredients are abundant, there's nothing more refreshing than a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual picnics in the park where you can enjoy a mix of textures and colors. Today’s recipe focuses on creating a delicious perfect pasta salad, which is not only simple to prepare but also packed with nutrients that will keep everyone happy and energized throughout the day.

The key to an excellent pasta salad lies in selecting the right types of pasta, dressing, vegetables, and proteins. Here we use a combination of penne pasta for its robust texture and al dente bite, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red bell peppers, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. For added protein and flavor, we incorporate grilled chicken pieces, making this dish suitable for meat-eaters as well.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes Servings: 6-8 people

Ingredients

• Penne pasta (15 ounces)
• Cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups, halved)
• Cucumbers (2 medium-sized cucumbers, sliced lengthwise and then cut into bite-size pieces)
• Red bell peppers (1 large pepper, chopped into small chunks)
• Black olives (about 10-15 pitted olives, roughly chopped)
• Cherry tomatoes (for garnish, as needed)
• Feta cheese (½ cup crumbled for serving)
• Grilled chicken pieces (optional)
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (1/2 cup)
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Italian dressing (¼ cup)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool under cold running water to stop further cooking. Once cooled, transfer the pasta into a large mixing bowl.

1. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red bell peppers, and pitted olives to the bowl. Mix gently so as not to crush the vegetables too much.
2. If using grilled chicken pieces, slice them thinly and fold into the salad along with the drained pasta. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply leave out the chicken and garnish with extra chopped cherry tomatoes for color contrast.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly before serving.

Optional Garnish: For an extra burst of freshness and color, garnish your perfect pasta salad with additional chopped cherry tomatoes sprinkled on top just before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the best texture in this dish, avoid overcooking the pasta. Al dente pasta provides a delightful contrast to the crisp vegetables and creamy dressing.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts overnight in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano before grilling them until fully cooked. The flavors will infuse into the salad creating a more complex taste experience.

Perfect Pasta Salad is not just about having a meal; it's about enjoying delicious ingredients that cater to various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you're looking for something lighter or heavier, this recipe offers flexibility with its customizable components. Serve this pasta salad chilled alongside cold cuts of salami, fresh fruits like watermelon slices, or crispy lettuce leaves for added freshness.

Whether you’re planning a casual barbecue in the backyard or an elaborate picnic at a nearby park, this perfect pasta salad will be sure to impress everyone at your gathering. Its vibrant colors and appealing flavors make it a hit with all ages. So next time you're looking for a hearty yet refreshing dish, consider this versatile pasta salad recipe. It’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly tasty!