Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: Quick & Delicious
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: Quick & Delicious
I’ve always been a fan of pasta salads, especially during those warm summer months when you want something refreshing but satisfying. This easy pasta salad recipe has become my go-to for everything from family barbecues to quick weeknight dinners. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy cooks like me.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, add protein if you want, and even adjust the dressing to suit your taste preferences. It’s the kind of recipe that truly makes cooking feel effortless and enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- No cooking skills required
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients
- Great for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or mozzarella balls)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, slice red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with all vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables, toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese and fresh herbs, toss gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure pasta is completely cool before adding dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much
- Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente is perfect for pasta salad
- For extra flavor, add a minced garlic clove to the dressing
- If you prefer a creamier pasta salad, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the dressing
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Use different vegetables like zucchini, radishes, or roasted red peppers
- Try different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or goat cheese
- For a Mediterranean twist, add artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes
- Make it spicy with some red pepper flakes
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly drier after a day, so you may need to add a little extra dressing before serving. Best served within 24 hours for optimal freshness. Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for even better flavor.
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: Quick & Delicious
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Learn how to make the easiest pasta salad recipe with fresh ingredients. Perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or mozzarella balls)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: halve tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, slice red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with all vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables, toss to combine.
- Add feta cheese and fresh herbs, toss gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Make sure pasta is completely cool before adding dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much
- Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente is perfect for pasta salad
- For extra flavor, add a minced garlic clove to the dressing
- If you prefer a creamier pasta salad, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the dressing
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Pasta
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta salad recipe easy
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, fusilli, or even macaroni work well for pasta salad.
How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese and use a vegan dressing instead.
Do I need to cook the vegetables?
No, all the vegetables in this recipe are used raw, which is what makes this pasta salad so quick to prepare.
