Description
This Zesty Cold Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with crisp cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and optional feta cheese. Dressed in a tangy homemade Italian-style vinaigrette, it’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, meal prep, or a light, flavorful lunch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Gently toss to combine all the salad components.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified and well combined, creating a tangy Italian-style vinaigrette.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken to make this a complete, protein-rich meal.
- Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
