In the summertime, a refreshing and delicious pasta salad can be the star of any gathering, whether it’s a picnic in the park or a backyard barbecue. This recipe for “Good Food For Pasta Salad” is a true crowd-pleaser, combining vibrant flavors with simple yet satisfying ingredients. You can easily customize this dish with your favorite veggies and seasonings to create a dish that suits your taste perfectly. Let’s get started on making this flavorful pasta salad!
Good Food For Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 English cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the dressing:
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, fresh basil, and feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Mix gently to combine.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Once chilled, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and feta cheese crumbles before serving.
This pasta salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors – the juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, salty olives, and tangy feta cheese all come together in a harmonious blend. The fresh basil adds a pop of herbaceousness that elevates the dish to new heights. The homemade dressing ties everything together with its zesty and savory notes.
Feel free to make this pasta salad your own by experimenting with different ingredients. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, toss in some roasted red peppers for sweetness, or swap the feta cheese for creamy goat cheese if you prefer. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
The next time you’re in need of a side dish that is both delicious and easy to make, remember this recipe for “Good Food For Pasta Salad.” Your family and friends will be impressed by your culinary skills, and you’ll be left with a satisfied and happy heart – and stomach!
