Zesty Cold Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Zesty Cold Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: 2 oz dry pasta; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; fresh parsley, for garnish (optional); 1/2 cup chopped red onion; Not applicable (recipe uses scratch-made dressing components); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; fresh dill, for garnish (optional); leftover grilled chicken (optional, for a heartier meal); chickpeas (optional, for a heartier meal)

Craving a quick, cheap, and incredibly flavorful side dish? This Zesty Cold Pasta Salad recipe is your answer! Easily customizable to your favorite veggies and pantry staples, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or prepping ahead for a delicious lunch. We'll guide you through creating a vibrant pasta salad bursting with fresh flavors – a simple recipe that’s surprisingly satisfying. Adjust the quantities to your liking, and feel free to add leftover chicken or other proteins for a complete meal! Get ready to elevate your side dish game!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Calories 258.6 kcal

Protein 17g

Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Zesty Cold Pasta Salad

2 oz dry pasta
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
Not applicable (recipe uses scratch-made dressing components)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
leftover grilled chicken (optional, for a heartier meal)
chickpeas (optional, for a heartier meal)

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How to Make Zesty Cold Pasta Salad

Cook 2 oz of pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
While the pasta cooks, chop 1/2 cup of red onion, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup of cucumber (diced), and 1/2 cup of bell pepper (diced).
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Add the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and the dressing to the bowl. Gently toss to combine, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more vinegar for extra tang, or sugar for sweetness.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving (optional).
Enjoy your Zesty Cold Pasta Salad as a side dish or add leftover grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal!