Simple Pasta Salad

I love this pasta salad recipe because you can pretty much have all of the ingredients on hand at all times for when you need to whip up a quick side dish. It’s become my go-to summer side because it comes together quickly and combines simple flavors but is still really flavorful. When I made this, I used a little over 1/2 lb of pasta, so these proportions are very flexible. Just use as much or as little of each ingredient as you want or happen to have on hand.

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Simple Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb Rotini pasta
• 1 - 2 roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup large black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

VINAIGRETTE

• 1/4 cup light olive oil or corn oil
• 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder (adjust to your taste)
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp onion powder (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the pasta according to the package directions
2. While the pasta is boiling, prep the roasted red peppers, olives and parsley
3. Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and set aside
4. Once the pasta is cooked, strain it and combine it with the peppers, olives and parsley
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and stir to combine - allow the pasta salad to cool down a bit before serving
6. If you prepare this well before serving, just add in a little more olive oil and vinegar before serving if it has absorbed all the liquid