Introduction
Pasta salad is the ultimate make-ahead dish that combines convenience with flavor! Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or easy weeknight meals, this delightful dish is refreshing, customizable, and bursting with vibrant colors. Our recipe features tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing that’s sure to impress your friends and family with every bite.
Recipe Summary
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
To whip up this fantastic salad, gather the following ingredients:
– 12 oz (about 4 cups) rotini or bowtie pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
– ½ cup black olives, sliced
– 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or feta cheese crumbles)
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
– ½ cup olive oil
– ¼ cup red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
– 1 tsp dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp italian seasoning
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this pasta salad is simple! Follow these steps:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
6. Stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
For added flair, consider mixing in other vegetables like spinach or arugula, or adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas! Enjoy the colorful and flavorsome journey of your perfect pasta salad!