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Easy Potluck Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing

Easy Potluck Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing
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Easy Potluck Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing is a vibrant, fresh, and tangy dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with colorful veggies and a lively homemade dressing. Ideal for gatherings or quick meals, this recipe is simple, customizable, and packed with bright flavors that please any crowd.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Rotini or farfalle pasta, 12 oz (about 3 cups dry)

Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber, 1 medium, diced
  • Bell peppers, 1 cup, diced (any color)
  • Red onion, 1/4 cup, finely chopped
  • Black olives, 1/3 cup, sliced

Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped
  • Fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped

Zesty Dressing

  • Olive oil, 1/4 cup
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic, 1 clove, minced
  • Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon
  • Red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon
  • Salt, 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy in the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat and allows the flavors to blend nicely.
  3. Make the Zesty Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This dressing adds the signature tang and brightness to the pasta salad.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies and sliced black olives. Pour the zesty dressing over the top and gently toss to coat every bite with that delicious flavor.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Chill: Stir in fresh parsley and basil right before serving, or mix them in before chilling to infuse the salad with fresh herbaceous notes. Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marry beautifully.

Notes

  • Cool the Pasta: Rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
  • Balance the Dressing: Taste and adjust acidity and salt to keep the dressing vibrant without overpowering.
  • Chill Time Matters: Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances flavor meld and texture.
  • Add Delicate Herbs Last: To keep their fresh aroma intact, fold in herbs just before serving.
  • Use Quality Olive Oil: It makes a noticeable difference in the dressing’s flavor and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, summer salad, gluten free pasta salad, zesty dressing, picnic dish, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/easy-potluck-pasta-salad-with-zesty-dressing/