The Best Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad is a versatile and delightful dish that’s loved by many for its refreshing flavors and ease of preparation. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a medley of vegetables, tender pasta, and a flavorful dressing. In this article, we’ll share a classic Pasta Salad recipe and provide a convenient table sheet format with all the ingredients you need to whip up this crowd-pleasing salad in no time.
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Below is a table sheet outlining all the ingredients required to make this delicious Pasta Salad:
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| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fusilli Pasta | 8 oz |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Cucumber (diced) | 1 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (diced) | 1/2 cup |
| Black Olives (pitted) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Onion (thinly sliced) | 1/4 cup |
| Feta Cheese (crumbled) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Basil (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| For Dressing: | |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
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2. Chopping the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, and slice the red onion thinly.
3. Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference. The dressing should have a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.
4. Assembling the Pasta Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, black olives, and sliced red onion. Toss everything gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Adding the Feta and Basil
Now, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped basil over the salad. The feta adds a delightful creaminess, while the basil imparts a refreshing aroma.
6. Dressing the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss it thoroughly, ensuring each component is coated with the flavorful dressing.
7. Refrigerating and Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, give it one final toss to distribute the dressing evenly. Enjoy this chilled, refreshing Pasta Salad as a delightful side dish or a light meal.
Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, and this recipe will surely impress your guests with its burst of flavors and vibrant colors. It’s an excellent addition to any meal and perfect for various occasions, from backyard barbecues to potluck parties. Plus, the convenience of the table sheet format makes it easy for you to gather all the ingredients and create this delicious and refreshing dish. So, enjoy the goodness of this Pasta Salad and savor every delightful bite!
