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Summer Pasta Salad with a Dijon vinaigrette. So easy to make and delicious! Super versatile, use any short or small pasta, mix with the raw veggies of your choice and mix in the dressing and enjoy!
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5 from 1 vote

Summer Pasta Salad with Dijon vinaigrette

I generally start by adding a cup of each chopped vegetable, you can add more or less, depending on what you like to eat. For some, I will only add a ½ cup.
If you're a cheese lover, you can also add the mini mozzarella balls into this pasta salad.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main or Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy pasta, light pasta salad, pasta, pasta salad
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard depending on how tangy you want the dressing
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons shallots* finely diced; optional
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the pasta salad:

  • 1 lb. rotini pasta** cooked to al dente
  • 1 cup cucumbers chopped or cubed
  • 1 cup assortment bell peppers cubed
  • 1/2 cup salami chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1/2 cup raw broccoli florets cut into smaller pieces
  • 1/2 cup raw cauliflower florets cut into smaller pieces
  • 1/2 cup carrots chopped
  • fresh basil thinly shredded or chopped for garnish
  • salt and pepper if desired

Instructions

  • For the dressing: Whisk together all of the ingredients and set aside.
  • Place all of the pasta salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and mix together. Garnish with the fresh basil and season with a little salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

*In addition to shallots, you can also add some freshly grated parmesan cheese to this dressing. It's so good!
**you can also use penne, elbow or farfalle pasta.