#1 Delicious Gilda Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight!

Name: Gilda Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Chef Hicham4 days ago

0 0 17 minutes read

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How to Make Gilda Pasta Salad

Now that you’re all set with the ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making this delightful Gilda Pasta Salad! I promise, it’s as easy as pie (or should I say, as easy as pasta salad?). With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a colorful, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any summer gathering. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

First things first, let’s cook that rotini pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling like a hot spring, toss in your 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite to it. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This step is crucial! It cools the pasta down and stops the cooking process, ensuring it doesn’t turn mushy. Plus, it’s a great way to cool off your kitchen on a hot summer day!

Step 2 – Begin Mixing

Now that your pasta is cool, grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens! Add the cooled rotini to the bowl, and then it’s time to bring in the colorful cast of characters: 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, ½ cup of sliced black olives, ½ cup of diced green bell pepper, ¼ cup of finely chopped red onion, and ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley. Just looking at this vibrant mix makes me feel like summer is in full swing!

Step 3 – Combine Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, let’s whip up the dressing. Whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is the secret sauce that ties everything together, giving your Gilda Pasta Salad that extra zing!

Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the pasta and veggie mixture. Now, here’s where you get to channel your inner chef—toss everything gently to combine. Be careful not to break the pasta or the delicate feta cheese (if you’re using it). Speaking of feta, let’s add that in next!

Step 4 – Finish and Serve

Now, it’s time to add the star of the show: ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Gently fold it into the salad, ensuring it’s evenly distributed without turning it into a cheese mush. Trust me, the creamy feta adds a delightful tang that complements the fresh veggies beautifully.

Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This waiting period allows all those flavors to meld together, creating a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible!

And there you have it! Your Gilda Pasta Salad is ready to shine at your next summer gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a potluck, or just enjoying it on a quiet evening at home, this salad is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters in your family!

Introduction to Gilda Pasta Salad

Welcome to the world of Gilda Pasta Salad, a dish that’s as vibrant as a summer garden and as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day! If you’re like me, juggling a busy life filled with work, family, and a million other responsibilities, you know how precious time can be. That’s why I’m excited to share this delightful recipe with you. It’s not just a salad; it’s a colorful celebration of flavors that can brighten up any gathering!

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, friends and family gathered around, laughter filling the air, and there it is—your Gilda Pasta Salad, a stunning centerpiece on the table. With its mix of rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a hit! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it the perfect solution for busy women like us who want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

This salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a light meal to enjoy on a warm evening, Gilda Pasta Salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dish that can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time worrying about what to serve.

So, let’s dive into this refreshing recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your summer cooking repertoire. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Gilda Pasta Salad

Let’s talk about why Gilda Pasta Salad is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen! As a busy woman, I know how precious every minute is, especially when you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between. This salad is a lifesaver, and here’s why:

Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can have this vibrant dish ready to go in no time. Seriously, it’s like a magic trick! You can whip it up while the kids are finishing their homework or while you’re waiting for the laundry to finish. It’s that easy!
Minimal Cleanup: I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of spending my evenings scrubbing pots and pans. The beauty of Gilda Pasta Salad is that it requires just a few bowls and utensils. You’ll have one pot for boiling pasta, a mixing bowl for the salad, and a small bowl for the dressing. That’s it! Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your meal and relaxing with your loved ones.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Now, let’s talk about taste. This salad is a crowd-pleaser! The combination of rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors that even the pickiest eaters in your family will love. I’ve seen my kids devour this salad, and trust me, that’s saying something! It’s colorful, it’s fun, and it’s packed with nutrients, making it a win-win for everyone.
Versatility for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, a potluck with friends, or a simple family dinner, Gilda Pasta Salad fits right in. It’s like that versatile little black dress in your closet—perfect for any occasion! You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats, or make it the star of the show by adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. The possibilities are endless!

And let’s not forget about those summer gatherings! Imagine bringing this colorful salad to a barbecue or a family reunion. It’s not just a dish; it’s a conversation starter. People will be asking for your recipe, and you’ll get to bask in the glory of being the culinary genius you are!

So, if you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that will make your life easier and your family happier, look no further than Gilda Pasta Salad. It’s a refreshing summer delight that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the kitchen, let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful Gilda Pasta Salad. Trust me, having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 ounces rotini pasta: This fun, spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the dressing and all those delicious veggies. You can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli, if you prefer!
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These little bursts of sweetness add a pop of color and flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes work just as well!
1 cup cucumber, diced: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers bring a nice crunch to the salad. Feel free to use English cucumbers or even zucchini for a twist!
1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Olives add a briny depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you’re not a fan of black olives, green olives or even capers can be a great substitute.
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced: These peppers add a sweet, crunchy texture. You can mix it up with red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor and a splash of color!
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Red onions bring a mild, sweet flavor that enhances the salad. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use green onions or even shallots.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and add a lovely aroma. If parsley isn’t your thing, basil or cilantro can also work wonders!
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Feta adds a creamy, tangy element that ties everything together. For a dairy-free option, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative.
1/4 cup olive oil: This is the base of our dressing, providing richness and flavor. You can substitute it with avocado oil or even a flavored oil for a unique twist.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: This vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the olive oil. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, balsamic or apple cider vinegar can work just as well!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings a warm, earthy flavor that’s classic in Mediterranean dishes. Feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs if you have them!
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a subtle garlic flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic. If you love garlic, feel free to use minced fresh garlic instead!
Salt and pepper to taste: These are essential for enhancing all the flavors in your salad. Don’t be shy—season to your liking!

And there you have it! A colorful array of ingredients that come together to create a refreshing Gilda Pasta Salad. Remember, if you’re looking for printable measurements, you can find them at the end of this article. Now, let’s get cooking and bring this vibrant dish to life!