Part 1: Introduction
Cold pasta salad is the perfect dish for warm weather, offering a light yet satisfying option for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners. The beauty of a cold pasta salad lies in its versatility—mixing a variety of vegetables, proteins, and dressings to create a dish that’s both refreshing and flavorful. Lina Vexley, a passionate cook, brings you her favorite cold pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for any gathering. With vibrant ingredients and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to become a hit at your next meal.

Part 2: WP Recipe Maker Format

Cold Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad is a refreshing and easy dish, packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. A perfect side dish for any occasion!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Strainer

Ingredients

Pasta Salad Base

2 cups Pasta cooked and drained
1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
1/2 cup Cucumber diced
1/4 cup Red Onion finely chopped
1/4 cup Bell Pepper chopped

Dressing

3 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

This cold pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. You can also add grilled chicken or feta cheese for extra flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 180mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.6mg

Keyword Pasta

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Part 3: How to Make Cold Pasta Salad

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Part 4: Conclusion

Cold pasta salad is a fantastic dish for hot days, offering a light, refreshing option that’s full of flavor. The versatility of this recipe allows you to add or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it easy to personalize. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick side dish, this cold pasta salad is sure to impress. With its tangy dressing and fresh vegetables, it’s a perfect addition to any meal, providing both color and taste in one simple dish.