Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) of pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
Mix and Chill:
- Gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the chopped fresh basil leaves (or dried basil) and give it another gentle toss.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Just before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing.
- You can garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or crumbled feta cheese if desired.
This classic pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies, herbs, or protein (like grilled chicken or shrimp) to make it your own. Enjoy it as a side dish, a light meal, or a refreshing potluck contribution!