This Angel Hair Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather, featuring a colorful medley of vegetables like juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onions. The addition of Kalamata olives and feta brings Mediterranean flavors to life, while the light olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing adds a zesty touch. This salad is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for a summer barbecue or potluck.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can swap out the veggies based on what’s in season, or add a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. It’s a refreshing, satisfying dish that comes together quickly and can be served chilled, making it the perfect go-to salad for busy days or casual gatherings.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a refreshing, light, and vibrant dish that is perfect for warm-weather months. This salad is full of colorful, fresh vegetables and topped with the delightful flavors of Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy days when you need a healthy yet satisfying meal. The combination of angel hair pasta and crisp vegetables creates a texture balance that elevates every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a barbecue, or just as a healthy weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
The Versatility of Angel Hair Pasta
One of the standout features of this Angel Hair Pasta Salad is its versatility. Angel hair pasta, known for its delicate and fine texture, is lighter than other types of pasta, making it perfect for a chilled salad. While the salad is delicious as-is, you can easily adapt it to your tastes or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a protein boost, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added. You can also swap out vegetables to match what’s in season or to add more of your personal favorites. In this recipe, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives provide a refreshing and flavorful foundation, but other options like bell peppers, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes would work just as well.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
This salad is not only light and delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes are low in calories and rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Cucumber, for example, has high water content and is known for its ability to keep you hydrated while providing a good amount of fiber. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent source of vitamin C and lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, while Kalamata olives offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a burst of briny flavor. Olive oil is a great source of healthy fats as well, which can help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. Combined, all of these ingredients create a nutrient-dense, satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Easy Entertaining
Angel Hair Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days. The flavors tend to marinate and develop even more after a few hours or overnight, which makes it a great make-ahead dish. Preparing this salad in advance can save you time during busy workdays or when you’re hosting a get-together. It also holds up well for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, as it’s served chilled and can be easily transported.
Because of its bright, eye-catching colors and fresh flavors, this salad also works well as a side dish for larger gatherings or casual entertaining. Whether paired with grilled meats, sandwiches, or served as a standalone vegetarian meal, it’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Seasonal Variations
The beauty of this Angel Hair Pasta Salad lies in its adaptability to different seasons. During the warmer months, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs are in abundance, making it the perfect time to enjoy this dish. However, you can easily swap in different ingredients depending on the time of year.
In the fall and winter months, you might consider incorporating roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash to add warmth and heartiness to the salad. A sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or walnuts, can also add a delightful crunch and a seasonal touch. In spring, you can include tender asparagus or peas for a fresh, crisp bite that enhances the lightness of the pasta salad.
Customizing the Dressing
While the recipe calls for a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with oregano, there are numerous ways to elevate the dressing to your liking. If you enjoy tangy flavors, a bit of Dijon mustard can be added to the vinaigrette for extra depth. You can also play around with other herbs such as basil, thyme, or parsley to add a more personal touch. If you prefer a creamy dressing, consider mixing in a bit of Greek yogurt or tahini to create a luscious, smooth finish. The dressing can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
For those looking for a low-sodium version, you can omit the olives or reduce their quantity, as they tend to be high in salt. Similarly, if you’re avoiding dairy, simply skip the feta cheese or opt for a dairy-free version to keep the salad vegan.
Serving Suggestions
This Angel Hair Pasta Salad can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion and your personal preferences. For a light lunch, pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. If you’re serving it as part of a dinner, it works wonderfully alongside grilled fish, chicken, or steak. The salad can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish for a vegetarian or vegan meal.
For an extra burst of flavor, top the salad with some freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives to enhance the visual appeal and provide a fresh aroma.
Why This Recipe is Ideal for Everyone
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick, nutritious meal or someone hosting a summer cookout, this Angel Hair Pasta Salad is an ideal choice. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cooking, and can be easily customized to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. The ingredients are easy to find, and the salad can be made with items you likely already have in your pantry or refrigerator. Plus, the vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a dish that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Conclusion
Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and versatile dish that combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. With its balance of pasta, fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a perfect option for both casual meals and special occasions. The dish is quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prepping or serving at gatherings. Its versatility allows for endless customization, so you can adjust it to your taste preferences or seasonal ingredients. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.