Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For a basic cold pasta salad, you’ll need:
- 200g of pasta (preferably short shapes like penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of olives
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Cook and Prepare the Pasta
1. Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool down.
Mix the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they emulsify into a smooth dressing.
Assemble Your Cold Pasta Salad
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
2. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve
1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to mingle.
2. Before serving, give the salad another good toss to redistribute the dressing.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
There you have it! A simple and delicious cold pasta salad that will impress your taste buds and keep you cool on those scorching summer days. Enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Now you can savor summer flavors in each bite!