Mediterranean Veggie Pasta Salad
Indulge in a culinary voyage with our Mediterranean Veggie Pasta Salad a symphony of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and wholesome goodness. This delightful creation brings together the heartiness of fusilli pasta with a plethora of Mediterranean-inspired vegetables. Imagine cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, thinly sliced red onions, and the briny richness of Kalamata olives—all harmonizing in a perfect dance of taste and texture. To elevate this ensemble, crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and tangy finish. The entire medley is dressed in a tantalizing Balsamic Vinaigrette, where extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic unite to create a flavorful embrace.
As you delve into each forkful, you’ll experience the essence of the Mediterranean sun-soaked freshness and a melody of savory and tangy notes. Ideal for picnics, lunches, or as a dazzling side dish for gatherings, our Mediterranean Veggie Pasta Salad is a culinary masterpiece that captures the spirit of Mediterranean dining in every mouthwatering bite. Immerse yourself in a culinary escape, where the beauty of the Mediterranean comes alive on your plate.
“Give careful consideration to your pasta selection. Opt for shapes like elbows, shells, or orecchiette, as they seamlessly blend with other ingredients. Ruffled options such as campanelle, cascatelli, and the delightful radiatorre provide texture, trapping sauces and dressings for an enjoyable dining experience. Remember to generously salt the pasta water for enhanced flavor, particularly crucial for cold dishes. When cooking the pasta, go slightly beyond al dente, ensuring it retains a firm texture once cooled. Overcooked pasta can turn tough in the fridge, so strike the right balance for a perfect pasta salad every time. the joy of savoring delicious moments. Let’s embark on a pasta salad adventure together!”
“Prioritize oil over vinegar. While a sharply acidic vinaigrette suits leafy greens, exercise restraint with acidic components, particularly vinegar, in pasta salads. Over time, the vinegar can develop an undesirable metallic aftertaste. Elevate the dish by increasing the amount of high-quality oil and incorporating flavor enhancers like whole grain mustard, anchovies, or pesto for a tasteful and balanced result.”
Ingredients
- 2 cups fusilli pasta (or your preferred pasta shape), cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- 5. Chill and Garnish: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Mediterranean Veggie Pasta Salad chilled, offering a refreshing and flavorful celebration of vibrant veggies and balsamic-infused goodness. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying meal.