Pasta salad is a vibrant and versatile dish that combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, flavorful dressing, and optional proteins like cheese or chicken. Adding a base of crisp lettuce elevates this dish, offering a refreshing crunch that complements the pasta and vegetables beautifully. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick side dishes, this salad is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Served chilled or at room temperature, it’s a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
The roots of pasta salad can be traced to Italian cuisine, where cold pasta was traditionally paired with olive oil, vinegar, and seasonal vegetables. Its popularity grew in the United States in the mid-20th century, thanks to its adaptability and ease of preparation. Over time, pasta salad evolved to include global ingredients, such as feta cheese and olives, while still honoring its origins. This recipe blends tradition with fresh, modern twists, including a crisp lettuce base for extra vibrancy.
Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed and cooled
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, torn
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a large serving bowl with lettuce leaves.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and let cool.
- In another bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the pasta mixture with the dressing until evenly coated, then layer it over the lettuce base.
- Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
This pasta salad with a crisp lettuce base is as refreshing as it is flavorful, perfect for any occasion!
