Easy Cold Salad Recipe: Zesty Summer Lunch (Print Version)
Whip up this Easy Cold Salad Recipe for a simple, zesty lunch! It's super easy, packed with flavor, and perfect for warm days or quick meals. My kitchen secret!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Cooked Pasta (Rotini or Penne)
02 -
Cherry Tomatoes
03 -
Cucumber (English or Persian)
04 -
Red Onion
05 -
Fresh Bell Peppers (any color)
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
Feta Cheese
07 -
Fresh Parsley
08 -
Garlic (Minced)
09 -
Dried Oregano
→ Zesty Dressing
10 -
Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
11 -
Lemon Juice (Freshly Squeezed)
→ Seasoning
12 -
Salt & Black Pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a big pot of water boiling. Add a generous pinch of salt – this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Cook your pasta according to package directions, aiming for a perfect al dente. You want it tender but still with a slight bite, not mushy, okay? Once it's done, drain it and rinse it really well under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down, which is crucial for our Easy Cold Salad Recipe. I usually let it sit in the colander for a few minutes, shaking it occasionally, to get rid of excess water.
02 -
While the pasta is chilling, get chopping! Halve those cherry tomatoes, dice your cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. Remember, consistency is key here for an even distribution of flavor in your Easy Cold Salad Recipe. I once got distracted and made some pieces too big, and let me tell you, those giant chunks threw off the whole balance. Take your time, put on some music, and enjoy the rhythm of the chop. It’s almost therapeutic, honestly.
03 -
In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it looks slightly emulsified and smells absolutely divine – that's the lemon and garlic doing their magic! Taste it, seriously. Does it need more lemon? A pinch more salt? This is your chance to adjust it to your liking. I didn't expect that much difference a little extra lemon could make, but it really sings.
04 -
In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta, all those colorful chopped vegetables, and the crumbled feta cheese. Pour that zesty dressing all over everything. Now, gently toss it. Use a big spoon or even your clean hands (my preferred method, honestly!) to make sure every single piece of pasta and veggie is coated in that delicious dressing. This step is where the Easy Cold Salad Recipe really comes alive, all those vibrant colors mingling!
05 -
Now, stir in your freshly chopped parsley. This adds a beautiful pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous aroma. I always think of this as the final flourish; it just brightens everything up. I once forgot the parsley and it just wasn't the same, the salad felt like it was missing its spark. Don't skip it, it truly makes a difference in this Easy Cold Salad Recipe.
06 -
Cover the bowl and pop your Easy Cold Salad Recipe into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. This chilling time allows all those flavors to really meld together and become best friends. It should look vibrant, smell fresh and zesty, and feel perfectly cool to the touch. Give it a final stir before serving. Oh, it's so good, you won't regret the wait!
# Notes:
01 -
Always rinse your pasta with cold water for a cold salad; I learned the hard way that warm pasta makes for a clumpy mess.
02 -
This Easy Cold Salad Recipe tastes better after a good chill, so plan for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
03 -
If you're out of feta, crumbled goat cheese or even small mozzarella balls can offer a nice creamy tang in a pinch.
04 -
Pair this vibrant salad with grilled chicken and a crisp white wine for a truly delightful summer meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
colander
03 -
cutting board
04 -
sharp knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
whisk
07 -
large mixing bowl
08 -
small bowl for dressing
09 -
airtight containers for storage.
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 12g