Summer Pasta Salad I

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or fusilli)
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

10 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Protein: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and vibrant
• Refreshing and light
• Perfect for summer gatherings

User Comments:

• "This pasta salad was so easy to make and it was a huge hit with everyone at my party!"
• "The flavors were so well-balanced and the feta cheese added a nice touch of saltiness."
• "I love that this recipe is vegetarian, so it's perfect for people with different dietary needs."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley instead.
• You can adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
• If you're making this pasta salad ahead of time, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before chilling it.