Perfect Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Medley for Every Occasion!

Whether you're planning a summer picnic, a potluck gathering, or simply looking for a delicious side dish, our perfect pasta salad recipe is guaranteed to impress. Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

### Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice (such as fusilli, penne, or rotini)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, diced
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Black olives, sliced (optional)
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

### For the Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Pasta* Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. **Prepare the Vegetables* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh herbs.

3. **Make the Dressing* In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

4. **Combine Everything* In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables. Add black olives and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor and texture, if desired.

5. **Add the Dressing* Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. **Chill and Serve* Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with additional chopped herbs before serving.

This perfect pasta salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the dressing to suit your taste. It's a refreshing dish that's ideal for hot summer days or any time you're craving a satisfying meal.

#pastasalad #easyrecipes #summereats #healthyeating #potluckfavorite