Marinated Pasta Salad

Craving something fresh and flavorful for your next summer gathering or weeknight dinner? Look no further than our delicious Marinated Pasta Salad recipe. This dish is a perfect combination of vibrant colors, textures, and flavors that will impress your guests or simply satisfy your family’s cravings. The best part is, it’s super easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (such as fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 medium cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

**For the Marinade:**
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, parsley, and feta cheese.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Pour the marinade over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated in the dressing.

5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.

7. Garnish with additional parsley and crumbled feta cheese for a fresh and colorful presentation.

8. Serve the Marinated Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or enjoy on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Enjoy the bright and zesty flavors of this Marinated Pasta Salad that’s sure to become a staple on your summer menu. Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own signature dish. With its simple preparation and burst of flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for any occasion!