Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to add to your summer menu? Our Pasta Salad With Veggies is the perfect choice. Packed with colorful veggies and a zesty dressing, this salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
**Pasta Salad With Veggies**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 ounces fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**Dressing:**
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to mix the veggies.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Add the cooked and cooled fusilli pasta to the bowl with the veggies and dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing and the veggies are distributed throughout.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper according to your preference.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and veggies. You can sprinkle some extra feta cheese and parsley on top for a decorative touch.
9. Serve the Pasta Salad With Veggies chilled as a side dish or as a light main course for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Enjoy this Pasta Salad With Veggies as a refreshing and colorful addition to your summer gatherings. The combination of crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and hearty pasta creates a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out ingredients to suit your taste. This versatile salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection for all seasons.
