Pasta salad with homemade dressing is a versatile and delicious dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing meal. The homemade dressing adds a unique and vibrant flavor that elevates this salad above the ordinary.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Homemade Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
Directions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper. Add the Italian seasoning or oregano if using.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 300-350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 7g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
Servings
- Serves: 4-6
Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The freshness of the vegetables combined with the tangy and slightly sweet dressing makes this salad a delightful meal or side. It’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option for any gathering or meal. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing pasta salad!
