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Veggie Pasta Salad WW

deiv3

June 2

Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

8 ounces (about 225g) pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan (optional, 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
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

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 the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Transfer the chopped vegetables to a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:

Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the Veggie Pasta Salad with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan, if desired.
Serve the salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

6. Enjoy!

Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Veggie Pasta Salad as a delicious side dish or light meal. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick and easy lunch or dinner option. Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or additional toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients and Preparation: To create this delightful pasta salad, gather a variety of colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumbers, red onions, and black olives. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and combine them with the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. For added protein and flavor, you can also incorporate chickpeas, diced tofu, or shredded cheese.

Dressing and Seasoning: For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to absorb the dressing. Just before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Presentation and Garnishes: Transfer the Veggie Pasta Salad to a serving platter or bowl, garnishing it with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan on top for added flavor and texture. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, allowing your guests to dig in and enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch of each bite.

Customization and Serving Suggestions: Feel free to customize this Veggie Pasta Salad according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. You can swap out the vegetables for your favorites or add additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers. For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu. Serve the salad as a standalone dish or pair it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: Vibrant Veggie Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish—it's a celebration of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly delightful culinary experience. Whether enjoyed at a summer barbecue, a family gathering, or a casual weeknight dinner, this versatile salad is sure to brighten any occasion and leave a lasting impression on everyone who tastes it. So gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and savor the goodness of this flavorful Veggie Pasta Salad that's as delicious as it is nutritious.