Pasta Salad is a tasty combination of perfectly cooked pasta and fresh vegetables, all tossed together in a homemade Italian dressing. This salad is fantastic for any meal, whether it's a hearty lunch or dinner, especially during warm weather. It goes well with different proteins like chicken, salmon, or roasted vegetables.
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What's great about this salad is how well it keeps. It stays fresh in the fridge for days, making it a smart pick for meal prepping. Whether you're bringing it to a picnic, a potluck, or just enjoying it at home, this Pasta Salad will hit the spot.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For a classic Pasta Salad that captures the essence of Italian flavors, here's a simple list of ingredients you can pick up at your local grocery store:
Ingredients for Dressing
- Olive Oil: The foundation of the dressing, olive oil adds a rich, fruity, and slightly peppery layer.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a zesty tang, but if you prefer something softer, white vinegar is a great alternative.
- Dried Herbs: A blend of parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme brings aromatic depth and earthiness to our dressing. Italian seasoning works well too if that’s what you have in your pantry.
- Chili Flakes: Sprinkle these in to warm things up just a bit; adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
- Black Pepper Powder: This adds a gentle, earthy heat.
- Onion Powder: It brings a savory flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Sugar: A pinch helps tone down the acidity and brings a slight sweetness to the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon gives a refreshing, citrusy lift to the flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Toss in some for a nutty, savory element. You can skip this or opt for a vegan alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Garlic (either freshly grated or powdered): Essential for that punchy, aromatic flavor.
- Mayo (optional): It’s not traditional, but it makes the dressing creamier and blends the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients for Salad
- Pasta: This is the foundation of your salad. Choose from shapes like rotini, penne, fusilli, or bow ties. If you're looking for a healthier option, go for whole-wheat pasta.
- English Cucumber: Adds a refreshing, cool crunch. You can also use regular or Persian cucumbers as alternatives.
- Grape Tomatoes: These little gems add sweetness and a tangy flavor. Feel free to swap them with cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes.
- Bell Peppers: Choose any color for their crisp texture and sweet taste.
- Golden Pepperoncini: These bring a tangy and slightly spicy kick. Banana peppers or mild jalapeños are great substitutes if you prefer.
- Olives: Black or green, olives add a nice briny, savory touch. Kalamata or any other variety you like will work just as well.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor. If you're looking for something milder, try shallots or scallions.
- Basil Leaves: They add a fresh, aromatic herbal flavor to the salad. If you don't have basil, parsley or cilantro are excellent alternatives.
- Mozzarella Cheese: It's creamy and mild, perfectly complementing the other ingredients. If you want to mix it up, try diced feta, cubed cheddar, or any cheese you prefer.
How to Make Pasta Salad at Home?
Now let's make this delicious Pasta Salad! I've shared a simple recipe with step-by-step photos and a video to guide you through making the dressing, cooking the pasta, and assembling the salad. Follow along for a fun and easy cooking experience. Ready? Let’s go!
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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
- Salt, 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 dried basil
Instructions
Preparing Dressing
- In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients listed above. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well integrated. Set this homemade Italian dressing aside to use later in your salad
Cooking Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, adding enough to fully submerge the pasta. Season the water with salt to taste and a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, or just tender enough. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool for later use.
Making Pasta Salad
- Begin by thoroughly washing and drying all vegetables. Slice the grape tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Trim the ends off the English cucumber and zucchini, then chop both into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Remove the cores from the red and yellow bell peppers, chop them into bite-sized pieces, and add to the bowl.
- Cut the red onion into medium slices and include these in the bowl as well.
- To the bowl, add the halved grape tomatoes, black olives, golden pepperoncini, cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese balls, and fresh basil leaves.
- Pour the prepared Italian dressing evenly over the mix. Toss everything gently to combine well. Let the pasta salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period helps the flavors to blend and deepen, enhancing the overall taste.
Serving
- Enjoy this Pasta Salad as a standalone dish or pair it with roasted chicken, baked chicken breast or thighs, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, or your favorite dishes for a versatile and satisfying meal. For more pairing ideas, check out our serving suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and herbs to maximize flavor and texture. Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant bell peppers make a huge difference in taste. Opt for high-quality ingredients to ensure your salad is bursting with fresh flavors.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta until it's just tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture when mixed with other ingredients, so aim for al dente to keep the pasta firm and satisfying.
- Rinse the Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process immediately and prevents the pasta from sticking together. It also cools the pasta down, which is perfect for a cold salad.
- Balance the Dressing Flavors: Adjust the acidity, sweetness, and saltiness of your dressing to your taste preferences. Taste the dressing as you go and tweak the seasoning until it’s just right. A well-balanced dressing brings all the flavors together perfectly.
- Add Dressing Gradually: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. This way, you can evenly coat all the ingredients without overdressing the salad. It's easier to add more dressing gradually than to fix an overly dressed salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Make your pasta salad your own by adding your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or nuts for extra flavors and textures. This customization can make the salad more hearty and personalized.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, add a garnish of fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the presentation more appealing and appetizing.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Letting it sit for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad when it’s time to serve. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or entertaining guests.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for variety? Explore our collection of pasta, salads, dressings, and vegetable side dishes. From authentic Italian recipes to comforting meals, our diverse selection offers something for every palate.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of side dishes. I’ve selected a few favorites below that work beautifully together to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience:
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: Try it with grilled chicken, roasted whole chicken, or baked chicken thighs and breasts for a hearty addition.
- Shrimp Dishes: Complement your salad with sautéed, fried, or air-fried shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic bread or crispy breadsticks on the side to soak up the dressing and add a comforting carb element.
- Bruschetta: Offer fresh bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a tangy touch.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Include sautéed kale, spinach, zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a fresh and crisp side.
- Vegetables Sides: Add roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus for a flavorful match.
Storage Suggestions
For the best freshness, store your Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and fresh for 4 to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing in advance for gatherings. This makes it easy to enjoy a tasty, nutritious meal throughout the week without any hassle.
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