Penne Pasta Salad Recipe

Penne pasta: A type of pasta shaped like short tubes, perfect for holding onto the dressing and mixing well with other ingredients.

Cherry tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of freshness and color to the salad.

Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp texture and refreshing flavor to the dish.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite that complements the other ingredients.

Black olives: Adds a salty, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.

Feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese that adds creaminess and a distinct flavor to the salad.

Olive oil: Used in the dressing to add richness and help blend the flavors together.

Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity and a tangy flavor to the dressing, balancing the richness of the olive oil.

Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthy, herbal flavor to the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the salad.

When preparing the penne pasta, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. This texture holds up better in a pasta salad and prevents it from becoming mushy after mixing with the other ingredients and dressing. Additionally, after draining the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps maintain the ideal texture and prevents the pasta from sticking together.

• penne pasta - Substitute with fusilli: Fusilli has a similar texture and holds onto the dressing well.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and juiciness.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini provides a similar crunch and mild flavor.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the salad.

• black olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives provide a similar briny flavor but with a slightly different taste profile.

• feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and tanginess.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of saltiness with a slightly different mineral content.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• To store your penne pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad can be stored for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
• If you plan to freeze the pasta salad, it's best to do so without the dressing. The olive oil and vinegar can separate and change texture when frozen. Instead, freeze the pasta and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• When you're ready to enjoy the pasta salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the dressing and mix well.
• For best results, avoid freezing feta cheese as it can become crumbly and lose its creamy texture. Add fresh feta after thawing the salad.
• If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, it's best to discard the pasta salad to ensure food safety.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Transfer the penne pasta salad to a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed, until the pasta is warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place the penne pasta salad in a non-stick skillet or saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water to prevent sticking.
  3. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the penne pasta salad to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
  4. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp slightly if desired.

• Room Temperature Method:

  1. Remove the penne pasta salad from the refrigerator.
  2. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
  3. Toss the salad gently to redistribute the dressing and flavors before serving.

• Cold Refresh Method:

  1. If you prefer to enjoy the penne pasta salad cold, simply give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing.
  2. Add a bit more olive oil or red wine vinegar if the pasta seems dry.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

• Large pot: Used to cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta and rinsing it under cold water.

• Large mixing bowl: Where you will combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: Used to whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients together.

• Chef's knife: Necessary for dicing the cucumber, slicing the red onion, and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and slicing the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

• Serving spoon: Useful for tossing the pasta salad to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of preparation.

Use pre-chopped vegetables: Buy pre-chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made dressing: Use a store-bought olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing to skip the whisking step.

Chill quickly: Place the pasta salad in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill it faster before serving.