Cool Summer Pasta Salad
A refreshing, tangy summer pasta salad featuring broccoli, tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light warm-weather meals enjoyed cold.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until tender, then drain and rinse in cool water.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, crumbled feta cheese, and the finely grated garlic.
- Add the chopped frozen broccoli, celery seed, poppy seed, and basil to the bowl.
- Mix in the cooled cooked pasta and gently toss to combine.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and olive oil, then toss again to coat evenly.
- Serve the salad cold, sprinkled with sunflower seeds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you're looking for a vegan option. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the taste, and you can use fresh broccoli if you prefer. If you want a bit of crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds. This pasta salad pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Greek Cheese Triangles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing pasta salad as a light main dish or as a side at barbecues and picnics. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish, and you can add a protein like chickpeas to make it more filling. For an appetizer, consider serving it alongside Olive Canapes for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's freshness, consider keeping the sunflower seeds separate until serving. If reheating, do so gently in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to keep the pasta moist. However, this salad is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cool Summer Pasta Salad contains roughly 620 calories, with 20g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta salad a day in advance. Just keep the sunflower seeds separate until serving to ensure they stay crunchy. Store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
What can I substitute for mostaccioli pasta?
If you can't find mostaccioli, penne or fusilli are great alternatives that hold the dressing well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta made from brown rice or quinoa, which will still provide a satisfying texture.
How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
To elevate the flavor, consider adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, and you can also experiment with different types of vinegar, like red wine or apple cider vinegar, to find your preferred taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).