Rae's Italian B's Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for a summer picnic or a family gathering. Made with a combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta, it bursts with flavor and colors. The zesty Italian dressing adds a tangy kick to this refreshing salad. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this pasta salad will be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, basil, parsley, and oregano.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
