THE BEST PASTA SALAD

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The Best Pasta Salad

Introduction:
Elevate your salad game with this recipe for The Best Pasta Salad—a delightful blend of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory meats, and flavorful dressing that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any occasion. Bursting with colors, textures, and refreshing flavors, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this versatile salad is easy to customize and always a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delicious pasta salad sensation!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional)

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, black olives, parsley, shredded carrots, feta cheese (if using), and diced salami or pepperoni (if using).
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Serve The Best Pasta Salad chilled, garnished with additional parsley or feta cheese if desired.

Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing, The Best Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish at a barbecue, a light lunch on a hot summer day, or a main course for a picnic, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this delightful salad, and get ready to enjoy a taste of summer in every bite!

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