This Primo Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. It features al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and a hint of herbs and spices. This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a side or as a main course. Give this recipe a try and elevate your pasta salad game!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of fusilli or rotini pasta
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, red onion, feta cheese, basil, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Pasta salads are believed to have originated in Italy and gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s.
The word 'primo' in Italian means 'first course', indicating that this salad can be served as an appetizer or a light meal.
This versatile salad can be easily customized by adding or substituting various vegetables, cheeses, or proteins.