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pasta veggie salad-1

Pasta Veggie Salad

A refreshing and colorful pasta veggie salad packed with crunchy vegetables and tossed in a light Italian-style dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is great for picnics and potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams penne or fusilli pasta dry
  • 200 grams cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium cucumber diced, about 200 grams
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced, about 120 grams
  • 1/4 medium red onion finely sliced, about 35 grams
  • 50 grams black olives pitted and sliced
  • 80 grams feta cheese crumbled
  • 10 grams fresh parsley chopped, small bunch
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 sharp knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 small bowl for dressing
  • 1 whisk or fork

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely slice the red onion, slice the olives, and chop the parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until well combined.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, all the vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in the fridge. For a vegan alternative, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese. Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on what's in season or your preferences.