Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Garlic Clove (1, minced)
• Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons)
• Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup)
• Olive Oil (1/2 cup)
• Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Feta Cheese (1 cup, crumbled)
• Black Olives (1/2 cup, sliced)
• Red Onion (1/2, thinly sliced)
• Bell Pepper (1, diced)
• Cucumber (1, diced)
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
• Pasta (8 ounces)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
4. Pour the homemade Dijon vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
5. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
6. Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!