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Easy Zesty Cookout Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Veggies

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A quick, fresh, and zesty pasta salad with colorful vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect for cookouts, picnics, or light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss gently to cool evenly and set aside to drain fully.
  3. While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, and slice black olives. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  6. Chop fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle on top. Toss lightly again to distribute.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overdress the salad initially; start with most of the dressing and hold back some to add after chilling if needed. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent sogginess. Soak red onion in cold water briefly if you want to mellow its sharpness. Keep pasta and dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain pasta texture. Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, cookout, summer salad, easy recipe, zesty dressing, fresh vegetables, picnic food, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/easy-zesty-cookout-pasta-salad-recipe-with-fresh-veggies-to-try-today/