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Fresh basil is more than just a garnish; it’s the aromatic heart of our Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Symphony. This fragrant herb brings a vibrant, peppery twist that beautifully complements the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Basil's essential oils release an enticing aroma that awakens the senses, making every bite a delightful experience. When choosing basil, opt for bright green leaves that are free from wilting or browning, ensuring you capture the freshest flavor.

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Symphony, a vibrant dish bursting with flavors from the Mediterranean. This easy-to-make pasta salad combines colorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and feta cheese, resulting in a visually stunning and nutritious meal. Perfect for summer picnics or light dinners, this dish not only delights the senses but also brings healthful benefits, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean at home!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (choose from red, yellow, or orange), diced

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup black olives, pitted and halved

¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to drain well and set aside.

    Prep the Vegetables: As the pasta cools, take this time to prepare your vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber into neat cubes, and dice the bell peppers into small pieces. Lastly, finely chop the red onion to ensure a nice bite-sized texture.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the mixture in the bowl. Add the dried oregano and garlic powder for extra flavor. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, which will give it time for the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: When ready to serve, gently toss the pasta salad once more to refresh it. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch and enjoy this vibrant medley of Mediterranean flavors!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 6-8