The Best Homemade Pasta Salad Pasta Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, packed with fresh flavors and easy to make. You’ll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile—swap veggies, cheeses, or dressings to match your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect for sharing—great for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, staying fresh and delicious for days.
Recipe
Fresh and versatile, homemade pasta salad is a delightful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick meal. Combining tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a flavorful dressing, this recipe is customizable and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, bell peppers, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For added protein, include grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
- Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Equipment:
点 Large pot
点 Colander
点 Large mixing bowl
点 Small mixing bowl
点 Whisk
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cuisine:
Italian-inspired
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Pasta salad is a nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade pasta salad with grilled chicken skewers—they add a smoky flavor that balances the dish perfectly. Garlic bread sticks are another favorite of mine, giving a crispy, buttery bite that complements the salad’s freshness. These sides turn a simple pasta salad into a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
When you’re firing up the grill for chicken skewers, you’ll want sides that complement the smoky, juicy flavors without stealing the show. I love pairing them with a fresh pasta salad—it’s light, versatile, and balances the richness of the chicken. A tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing works wonders, and tossing in veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers adds crunch. I’ve found that skewers marinated with lemon and herbs pair beautifully with a pasta salad that has a hint of zesty flavor. It’s a combo that feels summery and satisfying, perfect for casual outdoor dinners. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Garlic Bread Sticks
Though garlic breadsticks are already a star on their own, they’re even better when paired with dishes that let their rich, buttery flavor shine. I love serving them alongside a fresh pasta salad—the crisp veggies and tangy dressing balance the breadsticks’ warmth. They’re also perfect with creamy soups or a simple marinara for dipping. One time, I even tossed them in a Caesar salad for extra crunch. Just bake them until golden, brush with garlic butter, and watch them disappear. Trust me, they’ll steal the show, no matter what you pair them with!
