Are you looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish for a warm summer day or a potluck gathering? Look no further! This Easy Vegetarian Cold Pasta Salad is not only a breeze to make but also a delicious crowd-pleaser. Packed with fresh veggies, flavorful herbs, and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Easy Vegetarian Cold Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, basil, and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and gently toss to mix the pasta with the vegetables and dressing.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt and pepper.
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 salad a quick toss and garnish with some additional herbs or feta cheese if desired.
9. Enjoy this delicious Easy Vegetarian Cold Pasta Salad as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside grilled veggies or your favorite protein.
This pasta salad is not only a fantastic option for a quick lunch or dinner, but it also holds up well as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep. Experiment with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this easy vegetarian cold pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
