Are you looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, picnics, or just a quick dinner on its own? Look no further than this delicious Three-Color Pasta Salad! Packed with a medley of colorful veggies and flavorful dressing, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
To create this delightful pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz of tricolor rotini pasta.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 cup of diced cucumber.
- 1 cup of diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green).
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives.
- 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion.
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
- Optional: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
For the dressing, you’ll be using:
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil.
- 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar.
- 1 clove of minced garlic.
- 1/2 tsp of dried oregano.
- 1/2 tsp of dried basil.
- 1/2 tsp of salt.
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
Now, let’s get started with the preparation!
Step 1: Cook the multicolored rotini pasta as per the instructions on the box until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it in cool water. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss all these vibrant veggies together to create a colorful and flavorful medley.
Step 3: For the dressing, take a separate small dish and whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until they blend harmoniously.
Step 4: Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and veggie combination, ensuring all the ingredients get coated evenly. If you wish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it a gentle toss to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: To allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to soak up the delicious dressing, place the salad in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
Step 6: Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Now, your chilled Three-Color Pasta Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or savor it as a delightful meal on its own.
With its beautiful array of colors and delightful flavors, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, go ahead and indulge in this appetizing treat that celebrates the joys of summer and good food!