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Step-by-Step Recipe For Making the Perfect Pasta Salad

This Perfect Pasta Salad is vibrant, refreshing, and easy to make, loaded with fresh veggies, savory cheese, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a simple weeknight dinner.

You can customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or even a twist in flavors to match any taste preference.

pasta

Customizable Pasta Salad

This vibrant pasta salad is bursting with fresh flavors and can be adapted to fit any taste! It’s easy to make and ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch. The best part? You can add your favorite vegetables, proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or tweak the dressing for a personalized touch. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course, and enjoy its Italian-inspired charm.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Small bowl or jar (for dressing)
  • 1 Whisk or small fork (for dressing)
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Knife

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 3 cups Rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) diced
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley chopped

For the Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • 1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
    Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking. Set aside.
    pasta cook
  • Prepare the Vegetables:
    While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Finely chop the red onion.
    Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese if it isn’t already prepared.Chop the fresh basil or parsley.
    veggies
  • Make the Dressing:
    In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
    Whisk or shake until all ingredients are well-blended.
    dijon
  • Assemble the Salad:
    In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs.
    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
    pasta salad
  • Chill and Serve:
    Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    Serve chilled, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of feta, if desired.
    pasta salad meal

Video

Notes

  • Pasta Options: Choose any short pasta you like, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle, to switch things up.
  • Add Protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even shrimp can be added for a heartier version.
  • Extra Crunch: Toss in sunflower seeds or pine nuts for added texture.
  • Dressing Variations: Substitute balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. A touch of honey can add sweetness if preferred.
Keyword Pasta, Pasta Salad, Quick Recipe, Recipe for Pasta

Variations to Try

Pasta salad is incredibly versatile, and a few tweaks can give it a whole new personality. If you’re in the mood to mix things up, try these exciting variations, each inspired by bold flavors from different cuisines.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean with this version that’s bright, salty, and full of sun-kissed ingredients. The combination of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese gives it a distinctly Greek flair.

Key Ingredients:

  • Kalamata Olives: These dark, briny olives add a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with creamy feta.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich and slightly chewy, sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness. For an extra burst of flavor, use ones packed in oil and drizzle a little of that oil over the salad.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the salad for a salty, creamy element that binds the flavors together.
  • Fresh Oregano: Adds a hint of herbaceous freshness that brings out the Mediterranean vibe.
Dressing Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing for a citrusy zing. Lemon brings out the flavors of the tomatoes and olives and keeps the salad feeling light and refreshing.

*This Mediterranean pasta salad is perfect for warm weather and pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.

Mexican-Inspired Pasta Salad

Loaded with colorful veggies and seasoned with a bit of heat, this salad is vibrant, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Key Ingredients:

  • Black Beans: Black beans add a filling, protein-packed element to the salad, along with their earthy flavor.
  • Corn: Use fresh, frozen, or even grilled corn to bring a sweet pop of flavor. Grilled corn adds a smoky edge that’s especially delicious.
  • Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado chunks make the salad richer and balance out the spices. Be sure to add them right before serving to keep them fresh.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded or cubed cheddar adds a touch of sharpness and richness.
Dressing Tip: Add a dash of chili powder to the vinaigrette for a subtle heat and a smoky note that complements the beans and corn. If you want to go bolder, try adding a touch of cumin or smoked paprika as well.

*This version pairs well with grilled meats, tortilla chips on the side, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish. 

Pesto Pasta Salad

Key Ingredients:

  • Pesto: Instead of the usual vinaigrette, mix your pasta with fresh basil pesto. You can make your own or use a good-quality store-bought version.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Their juicy, sweet flavor balances the pesto’s savory notes, and their bright red color makes for a stunning contrast.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella pearls are easy to incorporate and provide a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with pesto’s garlic and basil flavors.
  • Toasted Pine Nuts: Scatter toasted pine nuts over the top for a crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
Dressing Tip: Substitute half of your usual dressing with pesto. You can adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the pesto flavor to be. A splash of lemon juice also works well to brighten up the richness of the pesto.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. The salad might get more flavorful over time as the ingredients soak in the dressing, but some components, like fresh herbs or delicate veggies, may soften slightly.

How to Refresh the Salad

After a day or two, the pasta may absorb some dressing, potentially making the salad a bit dry. To refresh it, drizzle a bit more olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice) and toss before serving. This quick step brings back the brightness and juiciness.

If you plan to eat the salad over several days, consider keeping certain ingredients, like tomatoes or avocados, separate and adding them in fresh each day.

For the best flavor, let the pasta salad chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing better.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 320
Carbohydrates 40g
Protein 9g
Fat 14g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 5g

Why Pasta Salad is the Perfect Dish for Any Occasion

Pasta salad checks all the boxes—it’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Plus, it can be adapted to suit just about any dietary need or flavor preference.

Gert De Waal

I am Gert De Wall, I am behind "KellyToups.com," my cooking blog that has garnered a following thanks to its delicious recipes, insightful food tips, and engaging storytelling. My passion for culinary arts and knack for making complex dishes accessible to home cooks have allowed me to carve out a niche in the crowded world of food blogging. Outside the kitchen, I love exploring local farmers' markets, experimenting with new ingredients, and traveling to discover regional cuisines.

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