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Easy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe: Perfect Salade De Pates Froide

This light and refreshing cold pasta salad is perfect for summer meals, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. It comes together quickly and can be customized with your favorite ingredients for picnics, barbecues, or quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, prepare all your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, olives, and fresh herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a side dish or light main course.

Notes

Choose pasta shapes with ridges that hold dressing well, cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness, rinse cooked pasta with cold water, and allow salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor development.