Looking for a fresh and delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this vibrant Garden Pasta Salad! Bursting with colorful vegetables and dressed with a light vinaigrette, this salad is not only pleasing to the eyes but also a feast for the taste buds. It’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a side dish for your family meals.
Garden Pasta Salad
This salad combines the wonderful textures of pasta with the crispness of fresh vegetables. It can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of rotini or your preferred pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you like)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ½ cup olives, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or basil)
Instructions:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial as it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, olives, and feta cheese if using. Toss everything together gently to combine the ingredients.
- Now, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly. If it seems too dry, you can add more olive oil or a splash of vinegar.
- For the freshest flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When ready to serve, give it a quick toss, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy this refreshing garden pasta salad!
Dig in and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or serving it at your next gathering, this Garden Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit!