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Delightful Pasta Salad Recipe: A Perfect Addition to Any Meal

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that brings together the comforting allure of pasta with a medley of fresh vegetables, herbs, and dressings. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish at family gatherings, it is simple to prepare and can be customised to suit everyone’s tastes. In this article, we will guide you through a delectable pasta salad recipe that is sure to become a favourite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 300g pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well)
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g cucumber, diced
• 150g bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 150g sweetcorn (canned or frozen)
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
• A handful of black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)

For the dressing:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. If you are using frozen sweetcorn, ensure it is defrosted. Set the vegetables aside.

3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well to combine all the ingredients until the dressing is smooth.

4. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell peppers, sweetcorn, and crumbled feta cheese. If you’re using olives, add them in at this stage as well. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to break apart the feta too much; you want nice, chunky pieces in your salad.

5. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by adding the torn basil leaves for a burst of colour and flavour. For an added touch, you might consider a sprinkle of dried oregano or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top. Your pasta salad can be served immediately, or you can refrigerate it for a couple of hours to allow the flavours to meld beautifully.

Tips for Customisation

The beauty of pasta salad lies in its flexibility. Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Proteins: Include grilled chicken, cooked prawns, or chickpeas for added protein.
• Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella or goat cheese for a different flavour profile.
• Extras: Incorporate roasted vegetables, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet touch.

Conclusion

With its vibrant colours and delightful textures, this pasta salad is not only visually appealing but also a chance to enjoy fresh ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the star of a light meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress. Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious salad that encapsulates the essence of a hearty yet healthy dish. Bon appétit!