Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic pasta salad:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water for added flavor. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta cheese (if using), and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can also garnish with additional fresh parsley or feta cheese.
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for barbecues. Feel free to add other ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers to customize it to your liking. Enjoy!