Here’s a list of ingredients for a **market pasta salad**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help you rank better for related searches:
- **Pasta** (use **fusilli**, **penne**, or **rotini** for better texture and hold)
- **Cherry tomatoes** (halved for a burst of freshness)
- **Cucumber** (diced for crunch and hydration)
- **Red onion** (thinly sliced for a sharp, tangy flavor)
- **Bell peppers** (red, yellow, or green, diced for color and sweetness)
- **Black olives** (sliced for a briny, Mediterranean touch)
- **Feta cheese** (crumbled for creamy, salty richness)
- **Fresh basil** (chopped for an aromatic, herby finish)
- **Italian dressing** (store-bought or homemade for zesty flavor)
- **Extra virgin olive oil** (for a smooth, rich base)
- **Red wine vinegar** (for tanginess and brightness)
- **Garlic** (minced for a bold, savory kick)
- **Salt and black pepper** (to taste, for seasoning)
- **Optional add-ins**:
- **Chickpeas** (for protein and fiber)
- **Artichoke hearts** (for a tangy, gourmet twist)
This **easy pasta salad recipe** is perfect for **summer picnics**, **potlucks**, or as a **meal prep idea**. It’s **gluten-free adaptable** (use gluten-free pasta) and can be customized with your favorite **Mediterranean-inspired ingredients**.
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Steps
# How to Make a Delicious Market Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
If you're looking for a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this **market pasta salad** recipe is for you. Packed with fresh vegetables, flavorful pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and satisfying. Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate pasta salad.
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## **Ingredients for Market Pasta Salad**
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Cook the Pasta**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
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### **2. Prepare the Vegetables**
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop all the vegetables: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
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### **3. Make the Dressing**
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more vinegar for tanginess or olive oil for richness.
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### **4. Assemble the Pasta Salad**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
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### **5. Chill and Serve**
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed.
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## **Tips for the Perfect Market Pasta Salad**
- **Customize Your Veggies:** Add your favorite market-fresh vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or avocado.
- **Protein Boost:** Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- **Make Ahead:** This salad tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
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This **market pasta salad** is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!
**Keywords:** market pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, healthy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, fresh vegetable pasta salad, potluck pasta salad, meal prep pasta salad.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a pasta salad that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and packed with nutrients. Happy cooking!