Pasta salad is a quick, versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or potlucks. It's light, refreshing, and customizable with your favorite vegetables, protein, and dressing. This pasta salad recipe is easy to prepare, loaded with fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool.

2. Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and bell pepper. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.

5. Add Extras: Stir in mozzarella cheese, black olives, and parsley.

6. Chill: For best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve and Enjoy! Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 250

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 4g

• Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Sodium: 350mg