Hello, food lovers! Today, I’m going to share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart – the ultimate pasta salad. This dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a regular weekday dinner. It’s versatile, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get started!
Don’t forget the simple Pasta Strainer!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of fusilli pasta
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan or mozzarella chunks cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, you can start chopping your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the black olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, give it a good stir and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Feel free to add in some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- You can switch out the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
And there you have it – the ultimate pasta salad recipe! It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
