Looking for a delicious and refreshing dish for your next gathering or weeknight dinner? Look no further than this delightful Italian Vinaigrette Pasta Salad recipe. Packed with the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a picnic in the park, or simply looking for a tasty side dish, this recipe will not disappoint.
Italian Vinaigrette Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of your favorite pasta (such as fusilli, bowtie, or penne)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Italian Vinaigrette Dressing:
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the pasta in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, basil, and parsley to the bowl with the pasta. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the Italian vinaigrette dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, let the pasta salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional fresh basil and parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy this Italian Vinaigrette Pasta Salad as a standalone meal or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite barbecue fare. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with additional ingredients such as diced bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or grilled vegetables to suit your taste preferences. This pasta salad also makes a great option for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to enjoy delicious and hassle-free meals throughout the week.
Try this recipe for a taste of Italy in every bite – Buon Appetito!
