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Easy Easiest Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Veggies for Summer

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A quick, fresh, and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta and crunchy summer vegetables, tossed in a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for light summer meals, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in the colander to drain well.
  2. While the pasta cooks, wash and chop all the fresh vegetables: halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 red onion, shred 1/2 cup carrots, and slice 1/4 cup black olives if using. Place all chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss again just before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm as it softens when chilled. Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Chop veggies uniformly for balanced texture. Adjust seasoning after chilling as flavors mellow. Use gluten-free pasta and maple syrup for vegan and gluten-free versions. Add cheese like feta or Parmesan for extra flavor if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, fresh veggies, rotini pasta, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free option, vegan option

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/easy-easiest-pasta-salad-recipe-with-fresh-veggies-for-summer/