A delightful pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a tangy herb vinaigrette, perfect for any occasion.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and basil.
Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth vinaigrette.
Adding the oil slowly while whisking helps emulsify the dressing.
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
Toss gently to avoid breaking the pasta or crushing the vegetables.
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it a final toss before serving.
Adding the cheese last ensures it stays intact and evenly distributed.