Summertime calls for refreshing and vibrant dishes that can be enjoyed outdoors or as a delightful addition to any meal. One such favorite is the Ruby Tuesday Rotini Pasta Salad, a colorful medley of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a tangy dressing that will be an instant hit at any gathering. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your preferences. Let’s dive into creating this delicious pasta salad that will surely become a regular on your menu rotation!
Ruby Tuesday Rotini Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 pound rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup black olives, halved
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta down.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Mix well to combine.
3. Add the cooked and cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and gently toss to combine.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with some extra crumbled feta cheese and parsley before serving.
Enjoy this Ruby Tuesday Rotini Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue, picnic, or potluck. The combination of tangy feta cheese, crisp vegetables, and flavorful dressing will have everyone asking for the recipe. Feel free to add your twist by incorporating other favorite ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes. This versatile dish is perfect for meal prepping ahead of time or enjoying fresh on a warm summer day. Happy cooking!