Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs

When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser. This Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will elevate your lunch or dinner spread. Packed with vibrant herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light meal on its own. Easy to prepare and bursting with freshness, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

**Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs**

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

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

**Instructions:**
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, basil, parsley, and mint to the bowl with the pasta.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preference.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
8. Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving if desired.

This Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts, or swap the feta cheese for mozzarella if you prefer. The key to a successful pasta salad lies in the freshness of the ingredients and a well-balanced dressing. The combination of basil, parsley, and mint adds a refreshing and aromatic touch to the dish, making it stand out from traditional pasta salads.

Prepare this Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs ahead of time for a convenient meal prep option or whip it up quickly for a last-minute gathering. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, this pasta salad is a delightful medley of flavors that will be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the bright and herbaceous notes in every bite of this delicious and satisfying dish.