Ingredients:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 2 cups of assorted vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup of olives
- 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil, parsley, or chives) for garnish
- For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add some salt and your favorite pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Cut the olives in half and the red onion into thin slices. If you prefer, you can customize the vegetable selection based on your taste preferences.
Step 3: Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste buds. The dressing adds a tangy and flavorful touch to the pasta salad.
Step 4: Assembling the Pasta Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, assorted vegetables, olives, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches
If desired, crumble some feta cheese over the pasta salad for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or chives to elevate the presentation and taste.
Step 6: Serving and Storing
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl or platter and serve immediately. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta salad can be enjoyed for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep or as a refreshing side dish.
Now that you have mastered the art of preparing pasta salad, feel free to experiment with different vegetable combinations, dressings, or even protein options like grilled chicken or shrimp. Enjoy your homemade pasta salad and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire!