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Easy Pasta Salad

Easy Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Summer Gatherings

This Easy Pasta Salad is a quick, vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, combining fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie) Substitution: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • 4–6 quarts salted water About 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water is recommended.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil High-quality oil enhances the taste significantly.
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Optional: Can reduce or omit based on personal taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt Adjust according to taste preference.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables Use firm vegetables to maintain texture.
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta or 3/4 cup cubed mozzarella Substitution: Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vinaigrette. Toss to coat evenly. Then, fold in 2 cups of mixed vegetables until well distributed.
  4. Delicately fold in either 1/2 cup of crumbled feta or 3/4 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese into the pasta salad.
  5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Adjust the seasoning to taste and use fresh, firm vegetables for the best results.

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