Fast Pasta Salad

Whipping up a delicious dish for a family gathering or last-minute get-together doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In the world of quick and satisfying recipes, Fast Pasta Salad reigns supreme. This colorful and flavorful pasta salad is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. Packed with fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and al dente pasta, this dish brings a burst of flavors in every bite. Satisfying, versatile, and ready in minutes, this Fast Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

**Fast Pasta Salad**

**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

**Dressing:**
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. **Prepare the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the dressing aside.

3. **Combine the Salad Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.

4. **Dress the Salad:**
– Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

5. **Chill and Serve:**
– Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. **Garnish and Enjoy:**
– Just before serving, garnish the Fast Pasta Salad with some extra crumbled feta and parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in every forkful.

With its vibrant colors, refreshing crunch, and zesty dressing, this Fast Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at picnics, potlucks, or as a simple weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences – add some grilled chicken for a protein boost or swap out the feta for mozzarella for a milder taste. However you make it, this pasta salad is a quick and easy recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.