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Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A bright, refreshing summer pasta salad bursting with crisp vegetables, sweet corn, tangy feta, and a zesty herb vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight side that’s both colorful and crowd‑pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¾ cup julienned carrots
  • ½ cup grilled corn kernels (from 1 ear of corn)
  • ½ cup sliced radishes
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro), chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini according to package directions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl combine the red onion, bell pepper, zucchini, grape tomatoes, carrots, grilled corn, radishes, and fresh herbs.
  3. In a small bowl whisk together the vegetable oil (or olive oil), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Add the cooled pasta and crumbled feta to the vegetable mixture; pour the dressing over and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Before serving, give a quick toss and garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Tip: Swap any of the vegetables for what’s in season—try adding cucumber or snap peas for extra crunch. For a dairy‑free version, omit the feta or use a plant‑based cheese. This salad keeps well in an airtight container for up to 2 days; keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain optimal texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: B
  • Method: Cold
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pasta salad, summer, quick, refreshing, side dish

Find it online: https://crystalrecipes.com/summer-pasta-salad/