When you’re out in the great outdoors, enjoying nature’s beauty, a hearty and refreshing dish like camping pasta salad can be just what you need to fuel your adventures. Imagine sitting by the campfire or picnic table, surrounded by tall trees or starry skies, and digging into a bowl of pasta salad packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This recipe is easy to make and ensures you get a satisfying and delicious meal while camping.
Ingredients
– 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or rotini)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 bell pepper, diced (any color)
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup Italian dressing
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Steps
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. If you’re camping, you can also place the bowl in a cooler with ice packs to keep it chilled until ready to serve.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Just before serving, garnish the pasta salad with chopped fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor. During your camping trip, serve chilled as a delicious side dish or a light main course.
Are you looking for more outdoor cooking inspiration or tips on camping gear? Contact us for additional recipes and resources to make your camping adventures memorable.
Camping pasta salad is a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for enjoying the great outdoors. With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and zesty Italian dressing, this recipe will quickly become a favorite among campers. So pack your ingredients, set up your campsite, and savor the goodness of camping cuisine with this easy-to-make pasta salad!
