Looking for a delightful dish that fuses the comfort of pasta with the freshness of a salad? Our Mostaccioli Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect choice! This flavorful blend of tender pasta, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing is a crowd-pleaser at picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for your next family gathering.
**Mostaccioli Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
**Dressing:**
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Mostaccioli:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Toss gently to mix evenly.
3. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. **Combine Pasta and Vegetables:** Add the cooled mostaccioli pasta to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, then toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
5. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
6. **Enjoy:** Serve the Mostaccioli Pasta Salad chilled as a delicious side dish or a light meal on its own. It’s perfect for a summer picnic, a weekend brunch, or even a quick weekday lunch. The flavors will only get better as they marinate together, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.
7. **Customize:** Feel free to customize this pasta salad to your liking! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. You can also mix in different vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or artichoke hearts. Don’t forget to top it with some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch!
Try out this Mostaccioli Pasta Salad recipe for a versatile and satisfying addition to your recipe repertoire. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for all your gatherings and everyday meals. Bon appétit!
