Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because this easy pasta salad recipe is about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! Forget the boring, dry pasta salads of the past – this dish is an absolute EXPLOSION of taste and texture. We’re talking mega-loaded with fresh veggies, tender pasta, and a luscious, tangy dressing that’ll have your tastebuds doing the happy dance. It’s the ultimate summer potluck contribution, backyard BBQ side, or anytime-you-need-a-quick-and-easy-meal hero. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your new food obsession.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy pasta salad recipe is a total game-changer. First of all, it’s crazy simple to make – just a few minutes of prep and you’ve got a massive bowl of deliciousness. But the real magic happens in the flavor department. We’re talking an insanely good combo of al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy, herb-infused dressing that’ll make your tastebuds explode. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and creamy that’ll leave you wanting more with every bite. And the best part? It’s super versatile – you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or serve it as a main dish, side, or even a tasty topping for grilled proteins. This pasta salad is about to become your new summertime staple – trust me, it’s that good.
Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk about the all-star cast that makes this easy pasta salad recipe so dang amazing. You’ll need some al dente pasta (I like to use farfalle or penne), crisp veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, a tangy vinaigrette dressing, and a handful of fresh herbs to really make it pop. The key is using high-quality, super fresh ingredients – that’s what takes this dish from basic to absolutely legendary. And the best part? You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. The flavor possibilities are endless, y’all!
- 12 oz – Farfalle or penne pasta
- 1 medium – Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium – Yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup – Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium – Cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup – Olive oil
- 2 tbsp – Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp – Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup – Fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp – Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp – Fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Veggies: Not a fan of certain veggies? No problem! You can easily swap them out for something else. Maybe try some sliced zucchini, chopped broccoli, or diced onions instead.
- Protein: And if you’re feeling extra wild, you can even add in some grilled chicken, salami, or cubes of cheese to make it a complete meal. The options are endless – just let your tastebuds be your guide!
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Alright, let’s get this party started! First, we’ll tackle the prep work, then move on to the main cooking process, and finally, we’ll finish it off with the perfect dressing.
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, you’ll want to cook up that pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s nice and al dente, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. This will help keep the pasta nice and firm for your epic pasta salad.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to chop up all those delicious veggies. Dice up your bell peppers, slice those cherry tomatoes in half, and give your cucumber a good chopping. Toss all the veggies into a big ol’ bowl with the cooked pasta.
Step 3: Dressing
Now for the fun part – the dressing! In a separate bowl, whisk together some olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano. Season that bad boy with a little salt and pepper, and then pour it right over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything together until it’s perfectly coated.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can garnish your epic pasta salad with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or some crunchy toasted breadcrumbs. But honestly, this dish is so insanely delicious on its own, you could just dive right in with a fork and be one happy camper.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Pasta: Swap out the pasta for tortellini or ravioli for an even more indulgent twist. Or go crazy and use a mix of different pasta shapes – think bowties, fusilli, and penne all in one gloriously messy bowl.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding in some shredded carrcucumber, diced onions, or even some chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
- Mix Up the Dressing: Feel free to get creative and experiment with different vinegars, oils, and flavor combos. A balsamic vinaigrette would be insane, or you could even do a creamy Italian-style dressing. Heck, you could even make it a taco-inspired pasta salad with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing.
- Chill it First: Make sure to let your pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives all the flavors a chance to meld together and creates that perfect balance of textures.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: grilled proteins, crusty bread, or your favorite summer salads.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature – no need to reheat.
Make-Ahead: This pasta salad actually gets better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance.
Nutrition Information
Not only is this easy pasta salad recipe an absolute flavor explosion, but it’s also pretty darn good for you, too. With a base of nutrient-dense veggies and high-protein pasta, it’s a well-balanced dish that’ll keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making this easy pasta salad recipe in advance. The flavors actually get better the longer it sits, so feel free to whip it up a day or two before you plan to serve it. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from getting soggy?
The key to preventing soggy pasta is all in the preparation. First, make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it’s still got a nice bite to it. Then, after draining, be sure to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help the pasta hold its texture even after being tossed with the dressing. And as I mentioned before, letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving will also help the pasta retain its firm, delicious bite.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile, so you can definitely swap out the farfalle or penne for a different shape. Some other great options would be rotini, fusilli, or even small shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and follow the same steps for rinsing and chilling the pasta before assembling the salad.
How can I make this recipe more filling?
Want to turn this easy pasta salad into a complete meal? No problem! Just toss in some extra protein like grilled chicken, salami, or even cubes of cheese. You can also add in some extra veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or onions to make it even more nutrient-dense and satisfying. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!
Can I use a store-bought dressing instead?
While I highly recommend making the homemade vinaigrette dressing in this recipe, you can absolutely use a store-bought option if you’re short on time. Just look for a high-quality Italian or Greek-style dressing that will complement the flavors of the pasta and veggies. Start with about 1/2 cup and toss everything together, then add more to reach your desired level of sauciness.
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Easy Pasta Salad – A Delicious Meal Starter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mains
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a quick and delicious dish perfect for picnics or potlucks. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup olives, sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and feta cheese.
3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. 4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. 5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. 6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
This salad can be made a day in advance. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta salad, easy recipe, summer dish