Angel Hair Pasta Salad

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Light, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Angel Hair Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to brighten up your table. This salad brings together delicate angel hair pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. It’s a vibrant dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, looking for an easy lunch, or need a quick dinner side, this pasta salad delivers. The thin noodles soak up the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s customizable — add grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies to make it your own.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this salad, angel hair pasta is the star. Its fine texture allows the light dressing to coat every strand, making it ideal for a fresh, herb-filled salad. Make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up when tossed with the other ingredients and doesn’t become mushy.

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Ingredients for the Angel Hair Pasta Salad

• Angel Hair Pasta: The delicate base that holds everything together.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy pops of color and flavor.
• Black Olives: Provide a salty, briny contrast.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fragrant, herbal freshness.
• Feta Cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy bite that balances the salad.
• Olive Oil: Creates a light, flavorful dressing.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.

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How To Make the Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually about 4 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and roughly chop the fresh basil. If using whole olives, slice them into rings for easier eating.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, give it a light toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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Serving and Storing Angel Hair Pasta Salad

This salad is best served chilled, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for parties and potlucks. Pair it with grilled meats, seafood, or enjoy it as a light vegetarian main dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a drizzle of olive oil if it seems a little dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking and toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from clumping.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Spaghetti or linguine work well, but keep in mind that thicker pastas will change the delicate texture of the salad.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days, making it great for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Can I make it vegan?

Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or simply omit it. You’ll still get tons of flavor from the veggies and dressing.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all excellent choices to make it heartier.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If you love this Angel Hair Pasta Salad, you’ll probably enjoy these other fresh favorites:

• Couscous Arugula Salad for a peppery, hearty twist.
• Easy Japchae for a Korean sweet potato noodle dish.
• Easy Bruschetta Chicken Pasta combining fresh tomatoes with chicken.
• Tortellini Soup when you crave something warm and comforting.
• Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe to serve on the side.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies? Did you try a different cheese?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter!

Find more daily recipes on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate.

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