Imagine walking into a potluck with a vibrant, mouthwatering pasta salad that instantly becomes the talk of the party. This Dijon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad is not just another side dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines fresh vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a tangy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or just craving a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this recipe is your ultimate culinary secret weapon!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Pasta Salad
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. For best results, use a short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli that will hold the vinaigrette well.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers into uniform bite-sized pieces, and slice the black olives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar to create the vinaigrette. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the prepared cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and black olives to the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl.
- Pour the Dijon vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be made a day in advance.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Select short, textured pasta like rotini or penne that can hold onto the vinaigrette and trap delicious flavors in every bite.
- Cool Pasta Correctly: Rinse your cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy. This also helps the pasta absorb the dressing more effectively.
- Prep Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for advance preparation. The flavors will continue to meld and develop in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken, feta cheese, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Keep It Fresh: If preparing in advance, add more fresh herbs or a splash of vinaigrette just before serving to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
