Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Easy Summer Pasta Salad is an irresistible addition to any warm-weather gathering. Packed with tender rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, and savory black olives, this recipe combines a medley of colorful produce with tangy crumbled feta for the ultimate bite. The homemade dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices, adds a zesty kick that ties everything together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this chilled pasta salad is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a light lunch. Its make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing taste make it a summer staple you'll return to again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red bell pepper
• 0.5 red onion
• 0.75 cups black olives
• 0.5 cups feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.25 cups olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoons dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Set aside.

Step 3

Slice the black olives or leave them whole based on preference.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 6

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat evenly.

Step 7

Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1230.6 grams (1230.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2397

Total Fat 101.40g	130%
Saturated Fat 28.00g	140%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.00g
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 3330mg	145%
Total Carbohydrate 301.30g	110%
Dietary Fiber 21.70g	78%
Total Sugars 30.40g
Protein 66.20g	132%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 867mg	67%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 2062mg	44%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.3%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 50.6%