Best Pasta Salad Recipe

Are you looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that works for any occasion? This pasta salad recipe is exactly what you need! Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a make-ahead lunch option, this colorful and flavorful pasta salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, savory meats, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy pasta salad will quickly become your go-to recipe for delicious, stress-free entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for last-minute gatherings or meal prep
• Completely customizable with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and dressings
• Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld
• Perfect for potlucks and large gatherings – easily doubles or triples
• Budget-friendly option that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
• Versatile side dish that pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, or stands alone as a light meal
• No cooking skills required – if you can boil pasta, you can make this recipe!

Ingredients for This Pasta Salad Recipe

For the Salad Base:

• 1 pound (16 oz) rotini pasta (tri-color or regular)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 4 oz pepperoni, sliced (can substitute with ham or salami)
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Italian Dressing:

• ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper

For a gluten-free pasta salad, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. For a vegetarian pasta salad, omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.pers.

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How to Make Pasta Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
3. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
4. Pro tip: Cook the pasta 1 minute less than package directions for the perfect texture in your pasta salad.
5. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins

1. While the pasta cooks, wash and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place all chopped vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, and olives in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pro tip: Cut ingredients into similar-sized pieces for the perfect bite of pasta salad.

Step 3: Make the Italian Dressing

1. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients.
2. Whisk vigorously (or shake if using a jar with lid) until well combined and emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad

1. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables and other ingredients.
2. Pour about ¾ of the dressing over the pasta salad.
3. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to develop.
5. Before serving, toss with remaining dressing and adjust seasonings if needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta properly: Always salt your pasta water generously and cook pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in your pasta salad.
• Rinse pasta for cold salads: While you normally wouldn’t rinse hot pasta for warm dishes, rinsing with cold water is essential for pasta salad to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Make it ahead: Pasta salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Make it up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.
• Reserve some dressing: Save some of the dressing to add just before serving to refresh the pasta salad after it sits in the refrigerator.
• Choose the right pasta shape: Short pasta shapes with ridges or twists (like rotini, farfalle, or penne) work best for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well.
• Balance flavors and textures: Aim for a mix of crunchy vegetables, soft cheese, savory proteins, and tangy dressing for the perfect pasta salad.

Best Ways to Serve Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

• As a side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches
• At room temperature for potlucks and picnics (safe for up to 2 hours)
• As a light main course with a slice of crusty bread
• Packed in containers for meal prep lunches throughout the week
• On a buffet table for casual entertaining or holiday gatherings

For an elegant presentation, serve your pasta salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and garnish with extra fresh herbs just before serving.

Nutritional Information for Pasta Salad

Per Serving (1 cup, recipe makes approximately 10 servings):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note that nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and any customizations you make to this pasta salad recipe.

Storage & Leftovers

Pasta salad is perfect for make-ahead meals and leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pasta salad will absorb dressing as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of olive oil or extra dressing when serving leftovers.
• Freezing: Not recommended as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.
• Reheating: No need! Pasta salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

For the best leftover experience, take your pasta salad out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to come alive.

FAQs for Pasta Salad

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Pasta salad is actually better when made ahead of time. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and meld together beautifully. Just reserve some dressing to toss with the salad before serving to refresh it.

How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, pasta salad will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The texture of some vegetables may change slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Can I customize pasta salad for dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pasta. For vegetarian versions, omit the meat and add more vegetables or plant-based proteins like chickpeas. For vegan pasta salad, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure your dressing doesn’t contain honey.

What’s the best pasta shape for pasta salad?

Short pasta shapes with ridges, twists, or cavities work best for pasta salad because they hold the dressing well. Rotini, farfalle (bow tie), penne, fusilli, and orecchiette are all excellent choices for a perfect pasta salad.

Related Recipes

If you love this pasta salad, try these other delicious make-ahead dishes:

• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – a protein-packed alternative with similar flavors
• Classic Potato Salad – another perfect potluck side dish
• Greek Orzo Salad – a smaller pasta shape with traditional Greek flavors
• Italian Chopped Salad – all the flavors of pasta salad without the pasta
• Caprese Pasta Salad – a simplified version with just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best pasta salad recipe at home! This versatile, colorful dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. The combination of al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, savory add-ins, and zesty dressing creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Have you made this pasta salad recipe? We’d love to hear how you customized it to make it your own! Leave a comment below with your favorite add-ins or variations, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the perfect potluck dish.

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