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Ultimate Juicy Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe: Easy Summer Side Dish for Crowds

This easy pasta salad recipe brings together the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer in one delicious bowl that's perfect for any occasion. With juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a light Italian dressing, this crowd-pleasing salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound spiral or penne pasta
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pitted olives (optional)
  • 4 ounces halal feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare all your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh herbs.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, basil, parsley, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled halal feta cheese. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Notes

This salad actually tastes better the next day! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Choose pasta shapes with ridges or hollows like penne, farfalle, or rotini – they hold the dressing better.