Pasta Salad for any Occasion

I love to entertain and look for side dishes which are easy to make, will go with anything, and please even the pickiest of eaters. Pasta Salad is perfect for any party, any season, and can be made in advance. I guarantee your guests will love it, even the picky eaters.

                                                             Pasta Salad

Ingredients
1 pound rotini
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup English cucumbers, chopped
3/4 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup bocconcini, halved
1/2 cup red onion, diced
fresh basil, chiffonade

for the dressing
1/3 cup good olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Make the dressing by combining all ingredients in a jar. Shake well before using.

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow to cool.

In a large bowl, toss together cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, black olives, bocconcini, red onions, and basil. Add dressing and toss to combine.

Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

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