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Fresh Summer Pasta Salad

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A vibrant, fresh summer pasta salad that is quick and easy to make, perfect for casual get-togethers and summer gatherings. It combines crisp veggies, a tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and toasted pine nuts for a light and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions (9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely chop red bell pepper, and thinly slice red onion if using. Add all to the pasta bowl.
  3. Roughly chop fresh basil and parsley. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant. Add these to the bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired and mix gently.
  6. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to let flavors marry. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

If pasta sticks after rinsing, toss with a teaspoon of olive oil before adding veggies. Chilling the salad for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor. Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use chickpea or brown rice pasta. For vegan, omit feta and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, pasta salad recipe, healthy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-summer-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-for-flirty-couples-cooking-challenge/