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pasta salad recipe - A colorful bowl of zesty pasta salad with rotini, tomatoes, and cucumbers

The Ultimate Zesty Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad recipe featuring rotini, crisp summer vegetables, and a homemade zesty vinaigrette.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Rotini or Fusilli pasta
1 cup English cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed feta
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 4: Add the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and cheese to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
Step 5: Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, toss with the remaining dressing and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, let the salad chill for 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg