Pasta Salad For A Crowd
A vibrant, crowd-pleasing pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a tangy oil and vinegar dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. rotini pasta
- 1/3 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. frozen green peas, thawed ⓘ
- 2 c. thinly sliced radishes
- 1 (6 oz.) can pitted ripe olives, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 large red pepper, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) bottles oil and vinegar dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
- Toss the cooked and drained pasta with the vegetable mixture and dressing.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts as a twist. For a lighter version, use whole wheat rotini or a gluten-free pasta. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can elevate the taste further. If you're short on time, pre-chopped veggies can save you prep time. This pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics and fits well with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is great as a stand-alone dish or served alongside grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, pair it with Saganaki(Flaming Greek Cheese) and a light, citrusy dessert like Finikia 1(Orange Cookies). It also makes an excellent side dish for barbecues or potlucks, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. If the pasta seems dry upon serving after storage, add a splash of olive oil or a bit more dressing to refresh it. Avoid freezing as the texture of the pasta may be compromised.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad For A Crowd contains roughly 777 calories, with 9g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 9g 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, this pasta salad is ideal for making in advance. Prepare it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even more. Just give it a good toss before serving to recombine the ingredients, especially if some dressing has settled.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is recommended for its ability to hold dressing, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or penne. Just ensure to adjust cooking times based on the type of pasta you choose, and follow the package instructions for best results.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pasta salad is completely vegetarian, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes. With ingredients like feta cheese and a variety of vegetables, it offers a satisfying and flavorful dish that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure the dressing you use is also vegetarian-friendly.
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).