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Fresh Memorial Day Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Minute Crowd-Pleaser

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A quick and easy pasta salad bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for Memorial Day picnics and summer gatherings. This tangy, crisp salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with your favorite add-ins.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, and thinly slice ½ small red onion. Add these to the bowl with pasta.
  4. Slice ½ cup black olives (if using) and chop ¼ cup fresh parsley. Toss them in with the pasta and veggies.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

Aim for al dente pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder for better aroma. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Prep veggies ahead to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Memorial Day, summer salad, crowd-pleaser, easy recipe, picnic food, rotini pasta salad, fresh herbs, tangy dressing

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/fresh-memorial-day-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-crowd-pleaser/