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Fresh Summer Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Italian Dressing

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A bright, tangy, and satisfying pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring fresh veggies and a homemade zesty Italian dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini 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 to drain thoroughly (about 10 minutes).
  2. While the pasta is cooking, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup black olives. Tear 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and torn basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until well coated. If using parmesan, sprinkle it over now and toss lightly once more to combine.
  5. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, toss gently and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent mushiness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add fresh herbs at the end to keep flavor vibrant. For gluten-free, use chickpea or rice pasta. For vegan, omit parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, Italian dressing, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, easy pasta salad, picnic recipe, potluck dish

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/fresh-summer-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-italian-dressing/