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Easy Pasta Salad Recipes with Juicy Tomatoes

This refreshing pasta salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and crisp vegetables, making it the perfect summer side dish. It comes together in just 30 minutes and is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound fusilli or rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and fresh basil.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Notes

Choose short pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini that hold dressing well. Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture. The salad tastes better the next day as flavors develop. Can be made vegan by omitting feta cheese.