Description
A fresh, flavorful, and versatile pasta salad combining tender pasta with vibrant vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing. Quick to prepare and perfect for lunches, potlucks, BBQ sides, or make-ahead meals, this pasta salad balances taste and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 cups rotini, penne, or fusilli pasta
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, parsley)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or feta cheese
Optional Extras
- 1/4 cup olives (kalamata or black)
- 1/4 cup red onions, sliced
- 1 cup cooked protein (grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas)
- Diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice (optional)
- Sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean twist (optional)
- Shredded carrots and snap peas for Asian-inspired version (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumbers, and thinly slice bell peppers. Roughly chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley to release their aroma.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. For extra flavor, add minced garlic and Dijon mustard to emulsify the dressing.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and cheese. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Rinse pasta under cold water completely to prevent sticking and stop cooking.
- Adjust dressing acidity and seasoning gradually for balanced flavor.
- Include a mix of crunchy vegetables, soft cheese, and chewy pasta for texture variety.
- Chilling the salad improves flavor meld and texture.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking (boiling pasta only)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg