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As the warm weather approaches, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad to brighten up your meals and gatherings. The Chilled Garden Delight Pasta Salad is an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, offering a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that highlight the best of seasonal produce. This salad not only provides a burst of freshness but also packs a nutritional punch, making it a wholesome option for any occasion.

No-Cook Summer Veggie Pasta Salad

Discover the Chilled Garden Delight Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for warm weather gatherings and picnics. Bursting with colorful vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, this salad offers a refreshing taste that celebrates seasonal produce. Easy to prepare in advance, it can be enjoyed as a side or main dish. With its nutritious ingredients like whole wheat pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, this salad is both delicious and wholesome. Dive into a culinary experience that is versatile and customizable to suit any dietary preference!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat fusilli or rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup sweet corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)

½ medium red onion, finely chopped

1 ripe avocado, diced

½ cup black olives, sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: To begin, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. If cooking from scratch, add the pasta to a pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then allow it to cool completely. Alternatively, use pre-cooked or refrigerated pasta for convenience.

    Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sweet corn, finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, sliced black olives, and torn basil leaves. Gently toss the mixture together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

      Incorporate the Pasta: Once the pasta is fully cooled, add it to the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Use a spatula to carefully toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is evenly mixed with the veggies.

        Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure that all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

            Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Give the salad a final gentle toss to combine the feta with the other ingredients without breaking it up too much.

              Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing dish.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 15 minutes | Serves 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with additional torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra feta on top for a vibrant presentation. Consider adding a few edible flowers for a colorful touch.