No-Fuss Pasta Salad for a Crowd

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ideal for entertaining: This salad serves a large crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or BBQs.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it hours or even a day in advance. The flavors get better as they marinate in the fridge.

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh vegetables, this dish is easy to assemble.

• Mediterranean flavors: Feta, olives, and oregano bring a burst of Mediterranean flair.

• Customizable: Adjust ingredients to fit your taste by swapping vegetables, cheese, or pasta shapes.

Ingredients

• 8 cups medium pasta (bow tie or penne)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 cup diced yellow onion

• ¼ tablespoon minced garlic

• 4 cups chopped green bell pepper

• 4 cups chopped red bell pepper

• 1 cup sliced black olives

• 4 teaspoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat oil in a skillet, sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Cook the vegetables: Add bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until tender. Stir in olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine pasta with vegetables: Add the pasta to the skillet with some reserved pasta water, and stir to combine.

5. Add feta: Let the pasta cool slightly before gently mixing in the feta cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12

• Preparation time: 15-20 minutes

• Cooking time: 20-30 minutes

• Total time: 35-50 minutes

Variations

• Pasta: You can swap out pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.

• Veggies: Try adding cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or swapping the bell peppers for other colors.

• Cheese: Replace feta with goat cheese or mozzarella if preferred.

• Olives: Kalamata olives offer a stronger Mediterranean flavor if desired.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: This dish can be enjoyed cold, but if reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pasta salad the night before?

Yes, it tastes even better when made ahead, allowing the flavors to meld overnight.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, crumbled goat cheese, cubed mozzarella, or shredded parmesan are all great options.

3. How long can I store leftovers?

Store the salad in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors improve as it sits.

4. Can I skip the olives?

Yes, you can skip them or replace them with artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Yes, fresh oregano works well. Use about double the amount of fresh oregano.

6. What kind of pasta should I use?

Medium pasta shapes like bow tie, penne, rotini, or fusilli are best because they hold the ingredients well.

7. Can I make this salad without feta cheese?

Yes, you can leave it out or substitute with another cheese like goat cheese or mozzarella.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta.

9. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Drizzle the cooled pasta with olive oil right after draining to prevent it from clumping.

10. How can I make the salad spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes to the dressing or include spicy olives for extra heat.

Conclusion

This No-Fuss Pasta Salad for a Crowd is an easy and delicious option for feeding a group. With its Mediterranean flavors and make-ahead convenience, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Customize it to your liking and enjoy the simplicity of a tasty, fuss-free dish!

Print