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A vibrant bowl of healthy summer pasta salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

Best way to grow your healthy summer pasta salad

This pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, making it perfect for a summer meal or potluck. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces short pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables and feta cheese.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients, tossing gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For extra protein, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cannellini beans. You can also customize with other vegetables like olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.