Brighten up your table with the refreshing and colorful Tri Color Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a potluck gathering, or simply craving a light and refreshing meal, this pasta salad is the perfect choice. With a combination of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy a delightful medley of flavors with every bite of this beautiful and delicious Tri Color Pasta Salad.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (assorted colors), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and fresh basil leaves.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Toss the salad: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it a final toss to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Engaging Tip:
Garnish the pasta salad with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra feta cheese just before serving. This will add an extra pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
Tri Color Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines the vibrant colors of assorted vegetables with the satisfying texture of tri-color rotini pasta. With a tangy and herb-infused dressing, this salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal or gathering. The combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese creates a harmonious medley of flavors and textures that will leave your guests wanting more. Easy to make and visually stunning, this Tri Color Pasta Salad is the perfect choice for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a delicious side dish. Embrace the freshness and vibrancy of this salad and delight in the colorful feast it brings to your table.