Pasta Salad is a nutritious and flavor-packed dish that combines a medley of vegetables and al dente pasta, tossed in a delicious Italian dressing. It serves as a fantastic cold pasta option, making it ideal for a satisfying standalone lunch or dinner. Alternatively, you can elevate the meal by pairing it with your preferred protein such as chicken, salmon, or a variety of roasted and baked vegetables.
The recipe provided offers clear step-by-step instructions on how to make this Pasta Salad. Additionally, a detailed video demonstration is available to visually guide you through the preparation process.
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What is Pasta Salad?
Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors, textures, and health benefits. This refreshing salad features tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a versatile homemade Italian dressing. It serves as a fulfilling and nutritious lunch or dinner option, especially during warm summer days. Serve it alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken breast, salmon, or roasted or baked veggies, and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.
One of the best aspects of this Pasta Salad is its versatility and longevity. With its fresh and vibrant ingredients, it can stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. The combination of healthy veggies and filling pasta makes it a convenient and satisfying choice for quick lunches or healthy dinners throughout the week. Simply store it in an airtight container, and you'll have a ready-made meal that requires no additional preparation.
Whether you're planning a picnic, or a potluck, or simply want to enjoy a flavorful and nourishing meal at home, this Pasta Salad is a go-to option. Add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken breast, salmon, or roasted vegetables, to elevate the meal further.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients for this Pasta Salad consist of both basic Italian pantry items and fresh produce, which are readily available at most retail grocery stores. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
For Dressing
Below are the ingredients to make Italian Dressing for Pasta Salad.
- Olive Oil: Provides a smooth and rich base with a fruity and slightly peppery flavor
- Red Wine Vinegar (or White Vinegar): Delivers a tangy and slightly fruity taste that adds brightness to the dressing
- Dried Herbs: Dried parsley, oregano, basil and thyme add an aromatic and herbaceous taste with earthy undertones. You can also use Italian seasoning as an alternative to dried herbs. It generally includes a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which offer a similar flavor profile to the individual dried herbs
- Chili Flakes: Infuses a subtle kick of heat and adds a touch of spiciness to the dressing
- Black Pepper Powder: Improves the overall flavor profile with a mild heat and a hint of earthiness
- Onion Powder: Add a savory and slightly sweet onion flavor to the dressing
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing
- Lemon Juice: Delivers a refreshing and citrusy flavor that complements the other ingredients
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Offers a nutty and savory note, adding depth and richness to the dressing
- Garlic (grated or garlic powder): Provides a pungent and aromatic taste, providing a distinctive flavor to the dressing
- Mayo (optional): Even though it is not used in authentic Italian dressing I have used it to achieve a creamy and subtle tang. It also helps in the emulsification of the ingredients
To Prep Pasta Salad
Below are the ingredients to make Pasta Salad.
- Pasta: Provides a neutral base for the salad. Rotini, penne, fusilli, and bow tie are great options for making pasta salad. You can also use whole-wheat pasta
- English Cucumber: Offers a cool and refreshing crunch. You can also use regular cucumber or Persian cucumber as substitutes
- Grape Tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and tanginess. You can use cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes as alternatives
- Bell Peppers (various colors): Provides a crisp texture and a mild, sweet flavor. You can use any color of bell pepper interchangeably
- Golden Pepperoncini: Delivers a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Banana peppers or mild jalapeños can be used for a similar flavor profile
- Olives (black or green): Adds a briny and savory taste. Kalamata olives or any other preferred type of olives can be used as an alternative
- Red Onion: Offers a sharp and pungent flavor. You can use shallots or scallions for a milder onion taste
- Basil Leaves: Infuse the salad with a fresh and aromatic herb flavor: If basil is not available, you can use parsley or cilantro as substitutes
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy and mild taste that complements the other ingredients. You can use diced feta cheese, cubed cheddar, or any preferred cheese variety as an alternative
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Pasta Salad at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is Pasta Salad, a refreshing medley of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and savory toppings, tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. This Pasta Salad is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal and is enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite protein.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
To make Dressing
- Gather Ingredients: To prepare the dressing, you will need to gather the ingredients mentioned in the dressing section of the ingredient list
- Mix and reserve: In a bowl, add these ingredients and mix or whisk them well until they are thoroughly combined. This homemade Italian dressing should be set aside for later use
Cook Pasta
- Bring the water to boil: For cooking the pasta, take a large pot and fill it with enough water to cook the pasta. You can add salt to taste and a drizzle of oil to the water. Then, bring the water to a boil
- Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook it until it reaches a tender consistency
- Reserve for later: Once the pasta is cooked, remove it from the water and set it aside for later use
Prep Pasta Salad
- Slice Grape Tomatoes: Moving on to making the pasta salad, start by washing and patting dry all the vegetables. Begin with the grape tomatoes, slicing them in half and setting them aside for later use
- Chop the cucumber and zucchini: Next, trim the ends of the English cucumber and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cucumber to a large bowl. Similarly, chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, trim the ends, and add it to the bowl
- Dice the bell peppers: Then, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, discard the hard core parts, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add the bell peppers to the bowl
- Slice the onion: Slice the red onion into medium-sized pieces and add it to the bowl as well
- Add other ingredients: To the same bowl, add the previously halved grape tomatoes, halved black olives, golden pepperoncini, cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves
- Dress the salad: Now, it's time to dress the vegetables and pasta with the prepared Italian dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing
- Rest: To allow the flavors to meld and develop, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes
- Serve: That's it! Your delicious pasta salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente: Ensure that you cook the pasta just until it's tender with a slight bite to it. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture when combined with the other ingredients
- Rinse the pasta: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming sticky and clumping together
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your pasta salad. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers for a refreshing taste
- Balance the flavors: Consider the balance of flavors in your dressing. Adjust the amount of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness according to your preference. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
- Let it chill: After tossing the pasta salad with the dressing, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste and make the salad more enjoyable
- Add dressing gradually: Start by adding a small amount of dressing to the salad, and then gradually increase it as needed. This prevents overdressing the salad and ensures that the ingredients are evenly coated
- Customize and experiment: Feel free to customize your pasta salad with additional ingredients that you enjoy. You can add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and incorporate different herbs, cheeses, or nuts for added flavor and texture
- Garnish before serving: Just before serving, garnish your pasta salad with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance its visual appeal
Storage Suggestions
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days when stored in a closed, airtight container. Its longevity makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings or events.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Pasta Salad, you can complement it with a variety of dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with it:
- Grilled, roasted, or baked meats: Adding grilled or roasted whole chicken, baked chicken thighs, and breast pairs well with pasta salad
- Shrimp dishes: Shrimp dishes such as sauteed shrimp, fried shrimp, or air-fried shrimp deliver a satisfying meal along with this salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks: Serve some warm garlic bread or crispy breadsticks on the side. They're perfect for soaking up the dressing from the pasta salad and adding a delicious, carb-filled element to the meal.
- Bruschetta: A plate of fresh bruschetta with ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil makes for a refreshing and tangy addition to your pasta salad spread
- Sauteed Dishes: Offer simple sauteed dishes like sautéed kale, spinach, zucchini, green beans, and Brussels sprouts for a refreshing and crisp component that perfectly complements the meal
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. The roasted flavors from the oven or grill complement the salad nicely
- Soup: If you'd like a heartier meal, consider serving a bowl of soup alongside the salad. Tomato soup, minestrone, or vegetable soup would be excellent choices
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes, dressing recipes, and summer recipes.
- Greek Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Chicken Salad
- Coleslaw Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Potato Salad
- Pico De Gallo
More Pasta Recipes:
Pasta Salad Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Pasta Salad recipe below that I hope will help you make a satisfying meal at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta, rotini, bow tie, fusilli, or penne
- 1 English Cucumber, or garden cucumber
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- ½ Red Onion, medium size
- 1½ cup Grape Tomato, or cherry tomato
- 3 tbsp Olives, black or Kalamata
- 3 tbsp Golden Peperoncini
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, fresh, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup Basil Leaves
For Italian Dressing
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, or white vinegar
- 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, optional
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Mayo, optional
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Basil Leaves, chopped or use dried basil
Instructions
To make Dressing
- In a bowl, combine the ingredients mentioned under the dressing in the ingredient list. Mix or whisk well until thoroughly combined. Reserve this homemade Italian dressing for later use
To cook the Pasta
- Take a large pot and fill it with enough water to cook the pasta. Add salt to taste and a drizzle of oil, then bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until it reaches a tender consistency. Once cooked, remove the pasta from the water and set it aside for later use
To make Pasta Salad
- Next, wash and pat dry all the vegetables. Begin with grape tomatoes, slicing them in half and setting them aside for later use
- Now, trim the ends of the English cucumber and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cucumber to a large bowl. Similarly, chop the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, trim the ends, and add it to the bowl
- Next, dice the red and yellow bell peppers, discard the hard core parts, and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Add the bell peppers to the bowl
- Slice the red onion into medium-sized pieces and add it to the bowl as well
- To the bowl, add the previously halved grape tomatoes, halved black olives, golden pepperoncini, cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves
- Dress the vegetables and pasta with the prepared Italian dressing and gently toss everything together. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld
To Serve
- You can serve this Pasta Salad as is or pair it with roasted chicken, baked chicken breast or thighs, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, or other dishes of your choice
Video
Notes
- Cook the pasta al dente: Ensure that you cook the pasta just until it's tender with a slight bite to it. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture when combined with the other ingredients
- Rinse the pasta: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming sticky and clumping together
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your pasta salad. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers for a refreshing taste
- Balance the flavors: Consider the balance of flavors in your dressing. Adjust the amount of acidity, sweetness, and saltiness according to your preference. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
- Let it chill: After tossing the pasta salad with the dressing, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste and make the salad more enjoyable
- Add dressing gradually: Start by adding a small amount of dressing to the salad, and then gradually increase it as needed. This prevents overdressing the salad and ensures that the ingredients are evenly coated
- Customize and experiment: Feel free to customize your pasta salad with additional ingredients that you enjoy. You can add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and incorporate different herbs, cheeses, or nuts for added flavor and texture
- Garnish before serving: Just before serving, garnish your pasta salad with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper to enhance its visual appeal
Nutrition
FAQ
When making Pasta Salad, it is best to choose pasta shapes that can hold the dressing and other ingredients well. Rotini, bowtie (farfalle), penne, or fusilli are popular choices as they have ridges or crevices that catch the dressing, allowing for better flavor distribution throughout the salad.
Absolutely! Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. In fact, allowing the salad to chill for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing its taste.
To meld the flavors, it is recommended to refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. However, if time allows, letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight is even better. This gives the ingredients time to soak up the flavors of the dressing, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive salad.
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pasta salad can typically stay good for about 3 to 5 days. However, it is important to use your judgment and check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor or texture changes, before consuming it. If in doubt, it's best to discard the salad to ensure food safety.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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