Description
This Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s the perfect dish to bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. The zesty red wine vinegar and Dijon dressing pair beautifully with creamy feta and aromatic basil, creating a balance of flavors that’s both light and satisfying.
Ideal for a potluck, picnic, or a quick weekday meal, this salad can be customized to suit your taste. Add your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make it a complete meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the star of the show, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress with its fresh and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in the feta cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes