Description
A refreshing and vibrant summer pasta salad filled with rotini, colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a tangy homemade dressing made with fresh lemon, Dijon mustard, and basil, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light side dish.
Ingredients
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For the Pasta Salad:
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12 ounces dry Rotini pasta (about 4 cups)
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
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2 cups diced mini cucumbers
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1 cup diced red bell peppers
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1 cup diced orange bell peppers
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1 cup diced yellow bell peppers
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1 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons fresh minced basil
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
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½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
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Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Fill a 5-6 quart stockpot about ⅔ full with water and bring to medium-high heat. Add the dry Rotini pasta and kosher salt. Cook according to the package directions.
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Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure the pasta is well-drained.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced mini cucumbers, and diced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers to the pasta.
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Add Feta Cheese:
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Add the crumbled feta cheese but do not stir yet (as feta cheese can break down easily, limit stirring).
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Make the Dressing:
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced basil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
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Toss the Salad:
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Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss or stir with salad tongs until the salad is fully coated.
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Serve:
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Notes
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This pasta salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.
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Feel free to add more veggies like olives or red onion for additional flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg