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Pasta Salad

This vibrant and refreshing pasta salad combines tender rotini with crisp vegetables, black olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  3. While the pasta cools, chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; and 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, 1/2 cup black olives, sliced, and 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Give the salad a final toss before serving and enjoy chilled.

Notes

Letting the salad sit overnight in the fridge enhances the flavors even more.