Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad for a Summer Picnic

Pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser, especially during the summer months when we want something light yet filling to enjoy outdoors. This recipe combines pasta with an array of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing that can be served either as a side dish or a main course for your next picnic.

The cooking time for this pasta salad is approximately 45 minutes, including cooling time. The ingredients are simple enough so you won't spend too much time prepping; the total preparation time is about 15-20 minutes. It yields around 8 servings, making it perfect for a small family gathering or a casual get-together.

To start your pasta salad, you'll need:

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cups of mixed greens or spinach for extra texture

Instructions:

1. Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare all your vegetables by slicing, dicing, or chopping them as needed.
3. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste for the dressing.
4. Add cooked macaroni along with red bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onions. Toss everything well so that pasta and vegetables get coated evenly with the dressing.
5. If you prefer a leafy salad, add some mixed greens or spinach to the bowl before tossing it again to ensure every ingredient gets an even distribution of flavors.
6. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes sure that your pasta doesn't get soggy from sitting out too long.

Tips:

• If you prefer a bit more spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes or even finely chopped jalapeños into your salad. Just ensure they are well blended so as not to overpower the other flavors.
• For those who love garlic, slicing in some fresh cloves while making the dressing will add another layer of flavor.
• If you want this pasta salad to last longer without losing its freshness, consider dividing it into smaller containers after letting it chill for a couple of hours. This way, each portion is less likely to absorb excess moisture from sitting out for too long.

Health Benefits:

This simple pasta salad offers a great balance of carbohydrates from the pasta and fiber from various vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. It’s also rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B6 thanks to its colorful array of ingredients. Additionally, the olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.

Storage & Serving Suggestions:

The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container inside your refrigerator for up to three days after it has been prepared and chilled properly. For best results, allow any leftovers to come back to room temperature before serving again as this helps them reabsorb some of the lost moisture and regain their crispness.

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. Whether you're planning a casual backyard barbecue or simply looking for something tasty to eat during your lunch break, give it a try! It's sure to become one of your go-to recipes whenever you need an easy yet impressive dish.