Looking to add a pop of color and flavor to your next meal? Look no further than this delightful Color Pasta Salad recipe. Packed with fresh vegetables, vibrant colors, and a zesty dressing, this salad is as tasty as it is eye-catching. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Title: Color Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 orange bell pepper, diced
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, black olives, basil, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl and toss to combine.
5. Add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta to the vegetable mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated with the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired, and serve chilled.
This Color Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you prefer – bell peppers, carrots, or even some diced avocado would make great additions. The key is to have a variety of colors and textures to make the salad visually appealing and delicious.
The beauty of this salad is that you can make it ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead dish for a picnic or potluck. The longer the salad sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors will develop, so don’t hesitate to prepare it a day in advance.
Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal or a colorful side dish to accompany grilled meats, this Color Pasta Salad is a winner. It’s a dish that celebrates the bountiful flavors of fresh produce and is guaranteed to brighten up any table. Enjoy!
