Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) Rotini or Fusilli pasta
  • 1 tsp (6g) Salt
  • 1 cup (150g) Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium (120g) English cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup (50g) Red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup (60g) Red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ cup (50g) Black olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup (15g) Fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup (120ml) Extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60ml) Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove (5g) Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dried oregano
  • ½ tsp (3g) Salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) Black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions to ensure it stays firm.
  3. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water until the noodles are completely chilled to the touch.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and olives.
  5. Toss gently with a large spoon to distribute the colors evenly.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Whisk vigorously or shake until the mixture is thick and opaque.
  8. Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss until every noodle is glistening.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  10. Just before serving, toss in the remaining one-third of the dressing and the fresh parsley to refresh the flavor and shine.