Fresh and Easy Pasta Salad – A Colorful and Tasty Side Dish!

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## **Instructions**

### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the **pasta** according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, so it doesn’t get too soft in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

### 2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. **Halve the cherry tomatoes**, **dice the cucumber and bell peppers**, and **thinly slice the red onion**. If using, slice the **olives** as well. Set all the veggies aside.

### 3. **Make the Dressing:**
– In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the **olive oil**, **red wine vinegar**, **lemon juice**, **Dijon mustard**, **honey** (if using), **garlic powder**, and a pinch of **salt and pepper**. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more honey or maple syrup.

### 4. **Combine the Salad:**
– In a large bowl, combine the **cooked pasta** with the prepared vegetables. Add the **feta cheese** and **fresh herbs** for extra flavor and color.

### 5. **Toss and Serve:**
– Drizzle the **dressing** over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently to ensure it’s well coated in the dressing.
– Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and the salad to chill.

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## **Serving Suggestions:**

– This pasta salad is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like **chicken**, **steak**, or **fish**.
– If you’re looking to add protein, you can mix in **grilled chicken**, **shrimp**, or even **chickpeas** for a vegetarian option.
– Serve this pasta salad at your next BBQ, picnic, or potluck for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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## **Why This Pasta Salad is a Hit:**

1. **Balanced Flavors:** The freshness of the veggies and the creamy feta are beautifully complemented by the tangy, slightly sweet dressing. Each bite is bursting with flavor!

2. **Light and Refreshing:** Unlike heavy, mayonnaise-based salads, this version is light and refreshing, making it the perfect dish for warm weather or a light meal.

3. **Nutrient-Rich:** With a variety of vegetables like **tomatoes**, **cucumbers**, and **bell peppers**, this salad provides a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The **feta cheese** adds a nice protein boost without overwhelming the dish.

4. **A Make-Ahead Dish:** The best part about pasta salad? It actually tastes better the next day! Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy, delicious side dish when you’re ready to serve.

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## **Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad:**

– **Cook the pasta al dente** so that it doesn’t get soggy when mixed with the dressing.
– **Chill the salad** before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also gives the salad a nice, refreshing taste.
– **Customize your veggies**: Add or substitute ingredients based on what’s in season or your preferences. For example, roasted vegetables like **zucchini** or **eggplant** can also make a great addition.
– **Add some crunch**: If you like a bit of texture, try adding **toasted nuts** like **pine nuts** or **walnuts**, or sprinkle on some **croutons** before serving.

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## **Conclusion:**

This **Fresh and Easy Pasta Salad** is the perfect side dish to bring color, flavor, and freshness to your table. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to make a delicious dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite!

So, gather your ingredients, mix everything together, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this light and tasty salad!