Hey there, friends! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my go-to pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner, a picnic, or even a potluck, this cold pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that comes together in no time, and it’s packed with fresh flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a 30-minute meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. So, let’s dive in and make this summer pasta salad recipe your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinner ideas or meal prep.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
- A refreshing cold pasta salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
- A healthy and flavorful option for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pasta salad recipe:
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s break this down into simple steps:
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare your vegetables and protein of choice. Chop, slice, or dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, and protein.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give it a good stir and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to take your pasta salad to the next level:
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables for a visually appealing dish.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should have a bit of bite to it.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients or what’s in season.
How to Serve
This cold pasta salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side. It’s also a great addition to any BBQ or picnic spread. For a quick family dinner, pair it with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread. If you’re looking for more 30-minute meal ideas, be sure to check out my post on How to Cook Quick Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less.
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re planning to take it to a gathering, consider making it in the morning so the flavors have plenty of time to meld. For more easy pasta recipes and quick meal ideas, don’t miss my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl or my Crack Breakfast Sliders recipes.
And there you have it—my go-to pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that never fails to impress. I just know you’ll love it as much as I do! Happy cooking, friends!
Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 medium Cucumber sliced
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper diced
- 1/4 cup Red Onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives pitted
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Add to a large bowl with cooled pasta.
- Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold and enjoy!