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A vibrant bowl of fresh pasta salad with colorful vegetables.

Proven way to grow 5-star Pasta SaladPasta Salad

This recipe provides a proven method to create a delicious 5-star pasta salad, perfect for any occasion. It's a crowd-pleaser that combines fresh ingredients with a savory dressing.
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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
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper any color, diced
  • 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables, feta cheese, and black olives.
Dressing
  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assembly
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For best results, prepare the pasta salad a few hours in advance to allow flavors to fully develop. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.