Ingredients:

  • 16 oz (450g) Rotini or Fusilli pasta
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp (6g) Sea salt
  • 1 cup (150g) Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (130g) English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup (50g) Red onion, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup (90g) Black olives, sliced
  • 8 oz (225g) Mozzarella pearls or diced fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5g) Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Black pepper
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1–2 minutes less than the package directions.
  2. Drain the pasta immediately and toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil to prevent clumping. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
  3. Combine red wine vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey in a jar.
  4. Pour in the olive oil and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the mixture looks creamy and unified.
  5. Dice the cucumbers, peppers, and onions into uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch).
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, and mozzarella.
  7. Pour the dressing over the top and fold gently with a spatula until every noodle is glistening.
  8. Stir in the fresh parsley last.