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5.0 from 93 votes

Best Potluck Pasta Salad

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 8 -10
Calories: 263 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

PASTA SALAD
  • 1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz
  • 2/3 cup sliced red onions
  • 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well)
  • 1 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup pickled capers jarred
  • 1 cup crumbled Feta cheese
HOMEMADE DRESSING
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed if possible
  • 2 1/2 tsp minced garlic 
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp fresh minced oregano
  • 2 tsp fresh minced parsley
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
  2. Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
  4. Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
  6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
  7. Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

  • For best flavor, if making more than several hours ahead of time, make extra of the dressing and toss 1/4 cup of the extra dressing with the pasta before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 263kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 7g (2%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 16mg (5%) Sodium 377mg (16%) Potassium 192mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 390IU (8%) Vitamin C 16.1mg (18%) Calcium 112mg (11%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8-10

Amount Per Serving

Calories 263

% Daily Value*

Calories 263kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 7g 2%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 16mg 5%
Sodium 377mg 16%
Potassium 192mg 4%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 390IU 8%
Vitamin C 16.1mg 18%
Calcium 112mg 11%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.