Three Color Pasta Salad: Light and Flavorful 🍝🌈

This vibrant and refreshing pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal any day of the week! Featuring fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing, this dish combines the richness of three colors of pasta for a delightful and eye-catching presentation. Serve it cold and let the flavors meld together for an even more enjoyable taste experience!

Ingredients

For the salad

• 2 cups tri-colored pasta (rotini, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Cook the tri-colored pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

🥄 Rinsing the pasta helps cool it down quickly and prevents it from sticking together.

• In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese (if using).
• Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.

🌟 For a creamier salad, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream at this stage!

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to combine.

🍋 Feel free to adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar or olive oil based on your preference!

• Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Variations

• Low-carb: Substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini or other vegetables for a veggie-packed version! 🥒
• Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Seasonal twists: Use seasonal veggies, like asparagus in spring or roasted vegetables in autumn, to keep the salad interesting throughout the year! 🌽🍅
• Spicy kick: Mix in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat. 🌶️

Enjoy your delicious and colorful pasta salad that is sure to impress both the eyes and the taste buds! 🌟