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Zesty Homemade Pasta Salad styled for recipe card

Homemade Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing

Homemade Pasta Salad with Zesty Dressing is a refreshing, tangy side dish packed with veggies and bold flavor. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or light meals!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 tbsp olive oil optional
Veggies
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 0.5 cup yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 0.5 cup shredded carrots
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup black olives sliced
Dressing
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • red pepper flakes optional pinch
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup cheddar or mozzarella cubed (optional)
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with olive oil.
  2. Chop all vegetables and any optional ingredients you plan to use.
  3. In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, optional cheese, and dressing. Toss well.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop.
  6. Before serving, garnish with parsley and lemon juice. Toss and serve.

Notes

Make ahead for better flavor. Use your favorite vegetables. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. Not freezer-friendly.