Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) Bowtie or Rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (25g) Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Salt
- 1 cup (150g) Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (100g) English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup (75g) Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (80g) Black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup (30g) Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup (80ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 clove (5g) Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Drain thoroughly to ensure the pasta achieves a shatter-crisp texture.
- Toss the drained pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- To crisp the pasta, use an air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, or roast in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes on a sheet pan, tossing occasionally, until mahogany-colored.
- Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and oregano until emulsified and cohesive.
- In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, sliced black olives, and the dressing.
- Gently fold in the hot crispy pasta and chopped fresh parsley immediately before serving, tossing lightly to maintain crunch.