Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with color, crunch, flavor, and a refreshing tang, look no further than this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll find at just about every summer gathering, potluck, and picnic — and for good reason! Tossed with tender pasta, crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, this recipe isn’t just easy to throw together; it gets even better as it sits, making it a true make-ahead hero. Let’s dig in to all the delicious details!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is its simplicity. Every ingredient truly pulls its weight, adding vibrant color, fresh flavor, or the perfect textural contrast. Here’s what you’ll need and how each element shines in every bite:

• Rotini or any medium pasta shape (16 ounces): Twisty pasta like rotini grabs all the dressing and bits of veggies for tasty forkfuls. Penne or fusilli work great too!
• Feta cheese (⅔ cup, crumbled): The creamy, tangy flavor brings a Mediterranean vibe and a salty kick to brighten the salad.
• English cucumber (1 medium, chopped): Adds a wonderful crunch and mellow flavor that plays perfectly with the bold dressing.
• Grape tomatoes (1 pint, halved): Their natural sweetness and juiciness add pops of red and a burst of freshness.
• Bell pepper (1 small, any color, chopped): Choose your favorite color for more sweetness or bite and beautiful color variety.
• Black olives (¼ cup, sliced, optional): These bring a briny richness and a bit of Mediterranean flair. Totally up to you!
• Red onion or green onions (¼ cup, finely diced or sliced): Onions add subtle heat and crunch, while green onions provide a milder flavor.
• Italian dressing (1 cup, or homemade): Zesty, herby, and tangy, this ties the whole Easy Pasta Salad Recipe together.
• Fresh parsley (3 tablespoons, chopped): Brings brightness and a fresh herbal note that balances out the richness.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): These are the essential finishers that help every flavor pop just right.

How to Make Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s rolling, add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. You want that perfect bite — not mushy, not crunchy. Then, drain your pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This important step stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly, so it’s ready to soak up all those wonderful flavors without turning gummy. Be sure to let it drain really well so your salad isn’t watery!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While the pasta cooks, chop your cucumber, halve your grape tomatoes, dice the bell pepper, and slice the red (or green) onions. If you’re adding olives, slice those too. And don’t forget to crumble the feta! Having everything prepped and ready makes assembling this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe a total breeze.

Step 3: Combine and Toss it All Together

In a large bowl, combine your cooled, drained pasta, all of the chopped veggies, olives if using, feta, and fresh parsley. Pour about three-quarters of your Italian dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until well combined. Coat evenly, but don’t be too rough — you want to keep the veggies crisp and the feta in nice chunks!

Step 4: Season, Chill, and Finish

Now, taste and add salt and black pepper as you like — remember the feta and olives are salty, so season thoughtfully. At this point, feel free to add a little more dressing if it seems dry. Cover and chill the Easy Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can marry. Just before serving, give it a gentle toss and another sprinkle of parsley if you like. That’s all there is to it!

How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe even more irresistible, top it off with an extra crumble of feta, another shower of fresh parsley, or a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. If you love a little extra brightness, serve with a few lemon wedges for squeezing on just before eating.

Side Dishes

This salad is a superstar alongside grilled chicken, skewers, burgers, or any favorite barbecue fare. It also makes a glorious companion for roasted veggies, crusty bread, or a big bowl of soup — the possibilities are endless, and it complements just about anything savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or lunchboxes. Hosting a party? Pile it high on a vibrant platter and surround it with fresh greens. You can even scoop it into butter lettuce leaves for tasty lettuce cups or serve with pita chips for extra crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad holds up beautifully! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, but give it a good toss before serving. If it seems a bit dry, just splash on a little more dressing to freshen things up.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for pasta salads like this, as the fresh veggies and cheese tend to lose their texture and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it for the tastiest results.

Reheating

This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! Simply let it stand out of the fridge for a few minutes if you like it closer to room temp, then give it another toss before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini grabs the dressing nicely, you can swap in penne, fusilli, farfalle (bowties), or even shells. Just stick with a short, sturdy pasta that will hold up to tossing and won’t get soggy.

Is it possible to make this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe vegan?

You sure can! Simply substitute the feta cheese with your favorite plant-based feta or omit it entirely. Double-check that your dressing is vegan, and you’re good to go.

What homemade dressing would work best?

A classic homemade Italian vinaigrette is perfect — mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for balance. Just whisk and drizzle as directed in the Easy Pasta Salad Recipe.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, canned chickpeas, or even leftover steak are all delicious tossed in. It’s an easy way to turn this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe into a hearty, well-rounded meal.

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can make it up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavors! Just add a splash more dressing before serving, as the pasta absorbs some overnight.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe as I am! It’s endlessly adaptable, beautifully colorful, and perfect for so many occasions. Whip up a batch, taste the sunshine in every bite, and make it your new go-to for every picnic, cookout, or weekday lunch. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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