Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Here’s a fresh and flavorful Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing — perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch!

🥗 Classic Pasta Salad with Homemade Zesty Dressing

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or bowtie work best)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta or cubed mozzarella (optional)

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil

For the Homemade Dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)

🥄 Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

2. Prepare Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar until well combined.

3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, and cheese.

4. Toss & Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.