Spicing Up Your Palate With A Delicious Pasta Salad

Pasta salads come in numerous variations, reflecting diverse culinary influences. They are enjoyed as refreshing side dishes or hearty main courses, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.  Here’s a classic and customizable Pasta Salad recipe that you can make for a delicious and satisfying dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side.

Ingredients:

• Pasta:

• • 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or any short pasta)
  • Salt for boiling water

• Vegetables:

• • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• Protein (Optional):

• • 1 cup grilled chicken, diced
  • 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta or mozzarella cheese, cubed

• Dressing:

• • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. • Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

1. Prepare Vegetables and Protein:

1. • While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley. If adding protein, grill and dice the chicken or prepare other protein choices.

1. Make the Dressing:

1. • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

1. Combine Ingredients:

1. • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and protein (if using).

1. Add Dressing:

1. • Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

1. Chill:

1. • Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

1. Serve:

1. • Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

1. Enjoy:

1. • Serve and enjoy your delicious and customizable Pasta Salad!

Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients like cherry mozzarella balls, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. This Pasta Salad is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences.