Vibrant Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

As the warm days of summer approach, it’s time to gather friends and family for outdoor celebrations. This vibrant pasta salad is a perfect addition to your Memorial Day weekend festivities! Bursting with fresh vegetables and tangy feta cheese, this colorful dish is not only delicious but also easy to make. Paired with a zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. And the best part? It can be prepared in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones.

Ingredients

Pasta:
12 oz (340g) rotini or fusilli pasta
Vegetables:
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved; mix of colors)
1 cucumber (diced)
1 bell pepper (diced; any color)
1/2 red onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup black olives (sliced)
1/2 cup green olives (sliced)
Cheese:
1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Herbs:
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)

Dressing

Ingredients:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables:

While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese.
Combine Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, green olives, feta cheese, and chopped herbs.
Make the Dressing:

Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
Chill and Serve:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir before serving.

Tips

Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Add Protein: For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Customizations: Feel free to add or substitute any of your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Great as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks.

Enjoy your refreshing pasta salad at your Memorial Day celebration, and let the delicious flavors of summer shine through!