Refreshing Summer Pasta Salad

This cool pasta salad is great for summer days when its hot outside. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, and tangy feta cheese, all mixed in a simple but tasty dressing, give it a lot of fresh flavors.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta penne or fusilli
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions

Drain and let cool

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and basil leaves

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Serve chilled and enjoy