Simple Patriotic Pasta Salad for Memorial Day
This simple patriotic pasta salad for Memorial Day is fresh, colorful, and easy to make for a cookout, potluck, or backyard BBQ. Bowtie pasta, crisp vegetables, feta, and a tangy vinaigrette make it a festive side dish that will disappear fast.
Servings: 8
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt for cooking the pasta
Veggies and Add-Ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh arugula chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional patriotic toppings
- 1/3 cup blueberries
- Extra colorful bell peppers
- Mini flag toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, about 1 minute less than the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Let cool completely.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, arugula, feta, parsley, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- If desired, top with a few blueberries or extra bell pepper just before serving for a patriotic Memorial Day look.
Notes
- You can make it a few hours ahead and chill until serving
- It also keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge
- If it dries out a little after chilling, toss it with a small splash of olive oil or a bit of extra dressing before serving