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summer rotini pasta salad with zesty italian dressing recipe - Summer Rotini Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Summer Rotini Pasta Salad with Zesty Italian Dressing

summer rotini pasta salad with zesty italian dressing recipe made easy at home. A vibrant and tangy rotini pasta salad packed with fresh veggies and herbs, pe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 lb rotini pasta or any spiral pasta
  • 1 tsp olive oil for drizzling on cooked pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or vegan alternative
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
Italian Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking, then transfer to a large bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the olives. Chop the basil and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Add tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and basil to the bowl with the cooled pasta. Pour the dressing overtop and toss gently until everything is well coated. Fold in crumbled feta last to keep it from breaking.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil.