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Vibrant Summer Pasta Salad

Vibrant Summer Pasta Salad: Refreshingly Delicious & Easy

This Vibrant Summer Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring al dente pasta and a colorful medley of crisp vegetables, perfect for summer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz small shell pasta or orecchiette or other small pasta like penne or rotini
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Cucumber, diced Can substitute with zucchini
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced Orange or yellow bell peppers can be used for sweetness
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced Can be replaced with more red bell pepper
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Pomegranate Seeds Substitute with dried cranberries or halved grapes
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped Could use cilantro for a change
For the Dressing
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin is recommended
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Preferably freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain and rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1 minute.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the rinsed pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat.
  4. Add cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, pomegranate seeds, and parsley to the bowl. Toss gently.
  5. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to coat.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then let chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed after allowing it to chill, improving flavor blending. Avoid freezing to maintain texture.

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