cold pasta salad

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta & blanching broccoli)

• Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)

• Total Time: 1 hour (with chill)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Servings: 6–8

 Ingredients

Pasta Salad

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties work well)

• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper

• 1 ½ cups small broccoli florets

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for balance)

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes).

3. During the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them slightly.

4. Drain pasta and broccoli, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

1. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

2. Shred the carrots (or use pre-shredded to save time).

3. Chop the green peppers into small bite-sized pieces.

4. Thinly slice the red onion, if using.

5. Roughly chop fresh herbs for garnish if desired.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

   • Olive oil

   • Red wine vinegar

   • Dijon mustard

   • Minced garlic

   • Oregano

   • Salt & pepper

   • Honey or sugar (optional)

2. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:

   • Cooked and cooled pasta and broccoli

   • Cherry tomatoes

   • Shredded carrots

   • Green peppers

   • Red onion (if using)

2. Pour the dressing over the salad.

3. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Cover the salad and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

• Before serving, give it a final stir and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

 Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving — 1 of 6)

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 32g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 4g

• Protein: 6g

• Sodium: 180mg

Note: Nutrition values vary depending on pasta type and specific ingredients used.