Feta Pasta Salad

Several posts ago, I posted a recipe for Pasta Salad that I make regularly. It is also my boyfriend's favorite pasta salad so far :o) When he asked for me to make pasta salad again, I decided to go in a slightly different direction this time. It's still incredibly good, and it has Feta Cheese! Who doesn't love Feta?!? I think the Feta adds a subtle tangy flavor and enhances the overall taste of this salad.

Feta Pasta Salad

(Source: Marshal Field's Cookbook)

1 pound medium shell pasta (uncooked)

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup chopped celery (cut into 1/2 inch chunks)

3/4 cup sliced black olives

1/2 - 3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup Italian dressing (Use an oil and vinegar style dressing)
1 tablespoon dried oregano

1/2 tablespoon black pepper

2 tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (or sliced cherry tomatoes)

In large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. In large bowl, combine cheeses, celery and olives. In small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Italian dressing, oregano and pepper until well combined. Add dressing mixture to cheese/vegetable mixture, then toss gently with pasta. Chill until ready to serve. Add tomatoes right before serving. 

Pasta Salad

Spring is the perfect time for pasta salad :o) Especially since farmers markets are starting to pop up all over Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with fresh vegetables.

My favorite pasta salad is one that has evolved from a variety of pasta salads I've had in the past and the combination of the dressing I use makes it pretty unique :o)

Pasta Salad 

1 box tri colored pasta

1/2 - 1 cup Caesar salad dressing  

1/2 - 1 cup Italian salad dressing

1 cup sliced grape tomatoes

1 cup sliced sweet peppers (I used mini orange sweet peppers) 

1 small can sliced olives

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 - 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes 

Cook pasta according to directions on box. Once its cooked, run pasta under running cold water. Toss the other ingredients together with the pasta :o) Eat away!