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Easy Zesty Italian Pasta Salad

Easy Zesty Italian Pasta Salad - featured image
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A fresh, flavorful pasta salad perfect for summer meals, featuring rotini pasta, fresh veggies, and a zesty Italian dressing with a tangy, herby kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in the colander to drain thoroughly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste until fully combined and slightly thickened.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber and 1 medium red bell pepper, halve 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, finely chop 1 small red onion (soak in cold water 5 minutes if you want to mellow the bite), and chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley.
  4. Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. While pasta is still slightly warm, pour the dressing over it. Toss gently but thoroughly so the pasta absorbs the flavors well.
  5. Fold in the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Before serving, give it a quick toss and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Toss pasta with dressing while still warm for better flavor absorption. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. Adjust honey and vinegar to balance flavors. Chill at least 1 hour for best taste. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup. Gluten-free pasta can be used. Optional additions include toasted pine nuts or Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, summer salad, rotini pasta, zesty dressing, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-zesty-italian-pasta-salad-recipe-for-fresh-summer-meals/