Mediterranean Style Pasta Salad

Well summer is here and I've begun making salads every other day or so.  Seems like they taste so good when the weather gets hot. I made a really good pasta salad last week, then had some computer issues and couldn't post it. But here it is, just in time for Fathers Day. If you are a fan of pasta salad with lots of veggies and a tangy dressing then I'm sure you'll love this. I have fresh herbs in the garden so they flavored this Mediterranean Pasta Salad very nicely. Here's my recipe.

Mediterranean Style Pasta Salad

From Lynda's Recipe Box

12 ounces pasta-I used Rotini

1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half

1/2 or so of a cucumber, peeled and sliced thin, seeded if desired

1/2 half of a red onion, cut in half and sliced thin

1/2 of a green or red bell pepper, diced

1/4-1/2 cup coarsely chopped olives, optional- I used some Kalamata olives

 which my husband did not like, sigh.....

about 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled Feta cheese

Dressing ingredients:

2 tablespoons fresh Basil, rolled up and thinly sliced

1-2 tablespoons fresh oregano, minced

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, pressed

Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid; shake until well combined

1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al Dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly in with cold water. Drain well.

2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. Combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.

2. Slice and dice all the vegetables and add to a large bowl. When pasta is drained add to the bowl with the veggies. Pour the dressing over all and stir carefully to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving garnish with some whole Basil leaves and a sprinkle of cheese, if desired. Enjoy! Leftovers taste great too!

NOTE: I like a tangy dressing, so I taste the dressing before I add it to the pasta ingredients, and sometimes I'll add 1 or 2 more tablespoons of vinegar.

If you need some salad ideas for this coming Father's Day dinner, here's a link!