Sunny Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad 🌞🍝

This refreshing pasta salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch! Bursting with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also customizable to fit your taste. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or a cool lemonade for a delightful summertime treat! 🍋🥤

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 12 oz. rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup olives (black or green), sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, corn, red onion, and olives.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.

4. Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.

5. Add the finishing touches: Fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil for extra flavor.

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

6. Serve: Enjoy your refreshing summer vegetable pasta salad as a side dish or light main course!

🍽️ For optimal freshness, try to consume the salad within a couple of days. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. 🍗🍤
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based dressing for a completely vegan option!
• Mediterranean twist: Incorporate artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or capers for an extra burst of flavor. 🌿
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.

Enjoy this delightful salad that captures the essence of summer in every bite! 🌺🍅