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Best Pasta Salad Ever

A delightful pasta salad bursting with flavor from fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dressing
  • 12 oz Pasta (Penne, Rotini, or Fusilli) Cooked according to package instructions
  • cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved
  • 1 medium Cucumber Diced
  • 1 cup Bell Peppers (Red and Yellow) Diced
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely chopped
  • ½ cup Black Olives Sliced
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese Crumble (optional)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil Chopped
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and onion. For those using feta cheese, crumble it into desired-sized pieces.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Final Touches
  1. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary! You can always add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
Chilling
  1. Let the pasta salad cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

Notes

Store dressing separately if making ahead of time to prevent a soggy salad. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.