Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta salad recipe is quick to make and incredibly flexible. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works well for gatherings and also holds up beautifully in the fridge for meal prep. The flavors only get better as it chills, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time. You can make it vegetarian, add protein like grilled chicken or tuna, or switch up the veggies depending on the season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli)
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Bell peppers, diced
• Black olives, sliced
• Feta cheese or mozzarella balls (optional)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and olives.
3. If using cheese, add the feta or mozzarella.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This pasta salad recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with an additional 10–12 minutes for cooking the pasta and 30 minutes for chilling. Total time: approximately 1 hour.

Variations

• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Swap feta with goat cheese or omit cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Include sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for more depth.
• Use pesto or a creamy ranch-style dressing for a flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may settle. Pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, and reheating is not necessary or recommended.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for pasta salad?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best as they hold the dressing and mix-ins well.

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, pasta salad actually tastes better when made ahead as the flavors have time to meld. Make it a few hours or even a day in advance.

Should I rinse pasta for pasta salad?

Yes, rinsing the pasta after cooking helps cool it down quickly and removes excess starch that can cause clumping.

Can I freeze pasta salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables may become mushy once thawed.

How long can pasta salad sit out?

It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If serving outdoors, keep it chilled in a cooler or on ice.

What dressing is best for pasta salad?

A vinaigrette with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice works best. You can also use Italian dressing or a creamy dressing depending on preference.

How do I prevent pasta salad from drying out?

Toss it with a bit more dressing before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a while, as pasta tends to absorb moisture.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, store-bought Italian or vinaigrette dressings are convenient and work well if you’re short on time.

Is pasta salad served warm or cold?

Pasta salad is typically served cold or at room temperature.

What vegetables can I add to pasta salad?

Popular options include bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, carrots, peas, and broccoli.

Conclusion

Pasta salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this pasta salad delivers freshness and satisfaction every time.

Pasta Salad

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A refreshing and customizable pasta salad made with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese or mozzarella balls (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and olives.
3. Add feta or mozzarella if using.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• For dairy-free, omit the cheese.
• Best served chilled, not reheated.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 10mg