With summer in full swing, eating nourishing, refreshing food is the best way to fuel all those exciting summer activities! A pasta salad is a great option for getting all your good greens as well as energy from the pasta. It is an easy, quick recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes and is the perfect summer taste sensation…

The ingredients you will need:

- 8 ounces (225g) fusilli or any pasta shape of your choice

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cup cucumber, diced

- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced

- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and halved

- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- 1 garlic clove, minced

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, basil, and parsley.

3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl and toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly mixed with the vegetables and dressing.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Just before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with some extra fresh basil leaves and feta cheese if desired.

How delicious! Enjoy this delightful pasta salad as a light and refreshing meal on its own or as a delightful side dish at barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!