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California Pasta Salad

California Pasta Salad Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives, drained
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini until al dente according to package directions, about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion; halve the cherry tomatoes; slice the olives; and crumble the feta. Keep the avocado aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the vegetables, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado, toss again, and adjust seasoning with salt and lemon juice if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

The salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Add the avocado right before serving to keep it vibrant.