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At the heart of any pasta salad is, of course, the pasta itself. Rotini pasta, with its spiral shape, is an excellent choice for this dish. The twists and turns of rotini allow it to hold onto the dressing and other ingredients beautifully, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. Its chewy texture complements the crispness of the vegetables, creating a delightful contrast.

Honey Dijon Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant and flavorful Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Pasta Salad, perfect for any occasion! This delightful dish combines rotini pasta with seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, all tossed in a homemade honey Dijon dressing. It's not just a tasty side but a nutritious addition to meal prep and gatherings. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably Persian or English for less seeds)

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional for a briny kick)

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Honey Dijon Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons honey (adjust for sweetness)

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, take a cutting board and chop the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re including them, slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.

      Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Taste the dressing and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, chopped red onion, sliced black olives (if using), crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Honey Dijon dressing over the pasta salad. Using large spoons or a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece is well-coated with the dressing.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the pasta salad chilled or bring it to room temperature for the perfect bite.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the salad in individual bowls topped with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of extra feta. For a vibrant contrast, add a few additional halved cherry tomatoes on top before serving. Enjoy!