Name: Easy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped; 1/3 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Easy Pasta Salad for its bright flavors, vibrant colors, and versatility. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, it’s always a hit at gatherings and potlucks. Plus, it comes together with minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients

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

Short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, diced
Red onion, finely chopped
Bell peppers, chopped
Black olives, sliced
Shredded mozzarella or cubed cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

For the Dressing:

Olive oil
Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Garlic, minced
Dried oregano
Honey or sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein Boost: Add diced chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or salami for extra protein.
Greek Style: Include feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Creamy Version: Swap the vinaigrette for a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with lemon juice.
Add More Veggies: Toss in broccoli florets, corn, or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta for a dietary-friendly alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. This dish is best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors blend together.

2. What’s the best pasta shape for pasta salad?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best to hold the dressing and mix-ins.

3. Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely, but homemade dressing adds a fresher, more balanced flavor.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking and toss it with a little olive oil before mixing.

5. Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian unless you add meat or fish.

6. Can I make it vegan?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.

7. How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 4 days when properly stored in an airtight container.

8. Can I add leafy greens?

You can, but add them just before serving so they don’t wilt.

9. What can I serve with pasta salad?

It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or seafood.

10. Can I freeze pasta salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables changes once thawed.

Conclusion

Easy Pasta Salad is a bright, flavorful, and effortless dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing, it’s a simple recipe that always delights. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, packing a picnic, or preparing weekday lunches, this pasta salad delivers freshness and flavor in every bite.

Easy Pasta Salad

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A colorful and refreshing Easy Pasta Salad packed with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday meals, this versatile salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Use short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that hold dressing well.
For extra protein, add chickpeas, tuna, chicken, or salami.
Make it vegan by omitting cheese or using a plant-based substitute.
Best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating required.
Flavors improve after chilling, so it’s great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg