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Homemade Pasta Salad

This pasta salad features cooked pasta combined with fresh vegetables, a creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings, resulting in a colorful and textured dish. The preparation involves boiling, chopping, mixing, and chilling, culminating in a vibrant, tangy salad with a pleasant balance of creamy and crisp textures.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup red bell pepper diced
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup croutons for topping
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated, optional

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Chopping board
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still firm. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small, even pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
    8 oz dry elbow macaroni
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined, creating a tangy dressing.
    8 oz dry elbow macaroni
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with chopped vegetables, then pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
    8 oz dry elbow macaroni
  5. Just before serving, sprinkle the croutons and grated Parmesan cheese over the salad for added crunch and flavor. Toss gently to distribute toppings evenly, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
    8 oz dry elbow macaroni

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding chopped herbs like basil or parsley, or replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.