Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad 🍝🥗

A light & fresh pasta salad without mayo – perfect for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks! ☀️

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🛒 Ingredients:
• 400 g pasta (e.g., fusilli, farfalle)
• 3 bell peppers (2 red, 1 yellow)
• 250 g cooked ham, diced
• 2 bunches of green onions, sliced
• 150 g Appenzeller cheese, mild & tangy, diced
• 4–6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained & chopped
• 150 ml mild olive oil
• 50 ml light vinegar (e.g., champagne balsamic vinegar)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp medium mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

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👩🏼‍🍳 Instructions:

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta

1️⃣ Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2️⃣ Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.

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2️⃣ Prep the Ingredients

✔ Wash and dice bell peppers.
✔ Slice green onions into thin rings.
✔ Dice ham and cheese.
✔ Drain sun-dried tomatoes and cut them into small pieces.

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3️⃣ Make the Dressing

1️⃣ Finely mince garlic.
2️⃣ In a jar or bowl, whisk together:
• Olive oil
• Vinegar
• Honey
• Mustard
• Salt & pepper
3️⃣ Shake or whisk well until combined.

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4️⃣ Assemble the Salad

1️⃣ Combine pasta, veggies, ham, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
3️⃣ Let it chill for 1–2 hours to absorb flavors.

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5️⃣ Optional Add-Ins

✔ Radishes (thinly sliced)
✔ Cucumber (diced)
✔ Fresh herbs (parsley, basil)
✔ Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds

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💡 Pro Tips:

✔ No cheese? Try feta or mozzarella instead.
✔ Make it vegetarian – skip the ham and add chickpeas or grilled tofu.
✔ More flavor? Add a splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze before serving!

A colorful, refreshing, and healthy pasta salad – ideal for summer! ☀️🥗