Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make cold pasta salad featuring a tangy homemade dressing and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (substitute lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta Salad
- 16 ounces short pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach (thinly sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 3/4 cup black olives (sliced)
- 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (sliced in half)
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Add all the dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper—to a mason jar. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously until fully combined. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Let the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes so the pasta is perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water for 1 minute to prevent sticking. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the fresh spinach and green onions, and halve the fresh mozzarella balls. Slice the black olives as well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, green onions, spinach, mozzarella balls, and black olives.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Drizzle your preferred amount of the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad cold, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the dressing ahead of time to let it mellow.
- Use short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells for best coating of the dressing.
- Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; stir well before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute fresh mozzarella with feta cheese for a tangier taste.
- Adjust the honey quantity to taste for sweetness balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
