Description

This vibrant and refreshing Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of tender elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal, it combines cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and fresh parsley with a homemade mayo-based dressing enhanced by vinegar and Dijon mustard. Chilled for an hour to meld flavors, it offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Additional

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to halt cooking and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and, if using, slice the black olives. Set aside the prepared vegetables.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard if using, salt, pepper, and dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld nicely. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with fresh chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Ensure pasta is rinsed with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavor combination.
Optional ingredients like black olives and cheddar cheese add extra flavor but can be omitted for dietary preferences.
Use fresh herbs if available for brighter flavor.