Tuscan Herb Veggie Pasta Salad

Name: Tuscan Herb Veggie Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb rotini pasta; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers; 1/4 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Tuscan Herb Veggie Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for any gathering or a light weeknight dinner. It combines classic Italian flavors with a delightful mix of vegetables and herbs, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients for Tuscan Herb Veggie Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta serves as the hearty base of the salad, its twists capturing all the flavorful dressing. Cherry tomatoes, with their sweet and juicy burst, bring a vibrant color and freshness. Sliced cucumbers add a satisfying crunch, while black olives introduce a briny depth. Red onion offers a sharp contrast, bringing a hint of pungency. Feta cheese lends a creamy, tangy element that ties everything together. The star of the show, fresh basil leaves, infuses an aromatic, herbal note that is quintessentially Italian. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, perfectly complements the salad, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

For added protein, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Use a mix of colorful cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color.
If you prefer a more intense flavor, let the salad chill overnight.
To keep your basil fresh and green, add it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty soup or with a slice of crusty Italian bread to scoop up all the goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! Penne or fusilli also work well if you prefer something different.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?: It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?: You can use goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor, or omit it for a dairy-free version.

Tuscan Herb Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it's perfectly al dente. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain and give it a good rinse under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm and ready to absorb flavors.

Next, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your prepared cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, black olives, red onion, and feta cheese. This colorful medley is not just visually appealing but also packs a punch in terms of flavor.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This quick dressing is where the magic happens, bringing all the components together.

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and give everything a good toss. Make sure every piece of pasta and veggie is well coated. Finally, add the fresh basil leaves and gently mix them in. Their aromatic scent will make you want to dive right in!

Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld, making each bite truly irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy evenings.
Loaded with fresh, colorful veggies that are both nutritious and delicious.
The homemade dressing adds a zesty, herby touch that's far superior to store-bought alternatives.
Can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.

Ingredients

1 lb rotini pasta

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup sliced cucumbers

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onion, and feta cheese.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.

5. Add the fresh basil leaves and gently mix.

6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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