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Classic Pasta Salad

A vibrant and delicious pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or potlucks, bringing together fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 8 ounces Pasta (any short variety such as rotini or penne) Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved For a burst of freshness.
  • 1 cup Cucumber, diced To bring a cool crunch.
  • 1 cup Bell peppers (any color), chopped For sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, finely diced For a bit of bite.
  • 1/2 cup Olives, sliced Optional, for a briny flavor.
  • 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled For a delightful creamy element.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil For a rich dressing base.
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar (red wine or balsamic) Works beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard To elevate the dressing.
  • to taste Salt and pepper To enhance flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
  2. Chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and olives.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

This salad is perfect for meal prepping. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to avoid sogginess.