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A vibrant bowl of healthy summer pasta salad with fresh vegetables and herbs

Best way to grow your healthy summer pasta salad

This delicious and refreshing pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, perfect for a summer meal or potluck. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces fusilli pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 0.5 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
Dressing
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill.
Dressing
  1. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then taste and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.

Notes

For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans. You can also customize the vegetables based on what's in season or your preferences, such as adding corn, olives, or artichoke hearts. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, you might want to add a splash more olive oil or vinegar before serving to freshen it up.