Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing pasta salad packed with fresh veggies and herbs. This Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful mix of colorful vegetables, al dente pasta, and a zesty dressing, making it the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or even a light weeknight dinner.
**Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 yellow 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
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, basil, and parsley.
3. For the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/2 tsp of dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You can adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
7. Garnish with some additional fresh herbs and serve chilled. Enjoy the bright and crisp flavors of this delicious Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad!
Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this pasta salad is a fantastic way to showcase the best of summer produce. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant herbs creates a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or swapping the feta for a different cheese. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a simple meal prep option, this Fresh Vegetable Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit with everyone. Happy cooking!
