This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch. It combines al dente pasta with an array of colorful vegetables and is tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also a visual delight.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 500g of your favorite pasta (like penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Combine and toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, crumbled feta, and chopped basil. Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 6-8 people
Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a delightful dish that’s as tasty as it is colorful. It’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs. The homemade dressing adds a special touch, making this pasta salad a standout dish at any gathering. Enjoy the freshness and flavors of this wonderful salad!