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Easy One-Pot Loaded Summer Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta salad loaded with fresh summer vegetables, cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for picnics and outdoor meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears, or frozen if out of season)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella or feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional extras: black olives, toasted pine nuts, or sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon honey. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Dice 1 cup fresh corn kernels, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/2 red onion. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh basil.
  5. In the large pot or a big mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the veggies, cheese cubes, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Whisk dressing well to emulsify. Add fresh herbs just before serving for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit or substitute cheese with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, one-pot recipe, picnic food, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/easy-one-pot-loaded-summer-pasta-salad-recipe-for-perfect-picnic-meals/