penne rigate pasta salad recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
penne rigate pasta salad recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best penne rigate pasta salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite pasta salad recipes – Penne Rigate Pasta Salad. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a healthy snack, or a delicious side dish for your next family gathering, this recipe is sure to please. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekends when you’re short on time. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and mixing everything together – it’s a fun activity that they always look forward to.

And let me tell you, the end result is well worth the effort! Not only is this pasta salad packed with nutrients from the vegetables and lean protein from the chicken, but it’s also incredibly flavorful thanks to the Italian seasonings and olive oil.

We love serving it as a main dish or as a side alongside some crusty bread and a green salad. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prep or packing lunches for school or work.

I could go on and on about how much we love this recipe, but I’ll stop there and get to the good stuff – the recipe itself! So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started.

Penne Rigate Pasta Salad Recipe with Mediterranean Flavors

Penne Rigate Pasta Salad Recipe with Mediterranean Flavors

4.8 from 1358 votes

Penne Rigate Pasta Salad is a delightful dish featuring pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. It is a perfect dish for a light lunch or a side dish for a summer barbecue.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz penne rigate pasta

Vegetables

1 cucumber
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red onion
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup pitted Kalamata olives

Cheese

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add penne rigate pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into small cubes.
5Finely chop the red onion.
6Halve the cherry tomatoes.
7Slice the olives in half.
8Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
9In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined to make the vinaigrette.
10Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
11Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables.
12Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
13Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the pasta salad.
14Toss gently to combine.
15Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
16Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir.
17Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
18Serve chilled, garnished with additional olives and feta cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: You can customize this pasta salad with your favorite vegetables or add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Watch Video Of How Penne Rigate Pasta Salad Recipe with Mediterranean Flavors Works

This Penne Rigate Pasta Salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply need a quick and easy meal solution. It’s perfect for family gatherings because everyone can customize their serving with their favorite toppings and condiments.

And don’t worry about leftovers – they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven and are just as delicious as fresh. We love serving this salad at potlucks or picnics because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.

With its combination of flavors, textures, and nutrients, this Penne Rigate Pasta Salad is sure to become one of your new favorites too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Penne Rigate Pasta Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

1. What is Penne Rigate Pasta Salad?

Penne Rigate Pasta Salad is a simple yet flavorful pasta salad made with penne rigate pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasonings.

2. Can I use different types of pasta instead of penne rigate?

While traditional penne rigate is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with other shapes like bow tie or elbow macaroni if you prefer.

3. How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you’re short on time.

4. Can I customize this recipe with different vegetables or protein sources?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or swap out the chicken for turkey or tofu if you prefer.

5. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts