Chilled Summer Pasta Salad 

Beat the heat with this vibrant and flavorful Chilled Summer Pasta Salad. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it's a delightful dish that requires minimal effort and time. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a quick lunch, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta – 2 cups (uncooked)

• Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved

• Cucumber – 1, diced

• Bell pepper – 1, chopped

• Red onion – 1 small, finely chopped

• Black olives – ½ cup, sliced

• Feta cheese – ½ cup, crumbled

• Fresh basil – ¼ cup, chopped

• Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tablespoons

• Red wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons

• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

• Salt – to taste

• Black pepper – to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, black olives, crumbled feta, and chopped basil.

4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

5. Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 320mg