Fresh and Delicious Garden Pasta Salad Recipe

This garden pasta salad recipe is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. It's a perfect dish for summer gatherings, potlucks, or picnics. Packed with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is sure to impress. It can be made in advance and chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Serve it as a side dish or add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Get ready to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad that will please everyone!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.
6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend together.
7. When ready to serve, give the pasta salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
8. Garnish with some additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
9. Enjoy the refreshing and tasty garden pasta salad!

Interesting Facts