Pasta Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. You’ll love how it’s packed with fresh flavors and comes together in no time.
- It’s super versatile—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
- The zesty dressing adds a tangy kick that keeps every bite exciting.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe
Pasta salad is a versatile and invigorating dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick meal. It combines cooked pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, proteins, and a flavorful dressing, offering a balanced mix of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- In a small jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Adjust seasoning and dressing quantities to taste.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
This pasta salad is a nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my pasta salad with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp—it adds a hearty touch that makes the meal feel complete. Fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices, bring a crisp, invigorating contrast to the dish. These combos keep things light yet satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Grilled Proteins
When I’m planning a meal with pasta salad, I love pairing it with grilled proteins to make it feel more complete. Grilled chicken is my go-to—it’s simple, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with almost any pasta salad. I usually marinate it in lemon, garlic, and herbs for extra zing. Grilled shrimp is another favorite—it cooks quickly and adds a light, summery vibe. I toss them with olive oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt before grilling. Both options bring a smoky, savory element that balances the freshness of the salad, making the meal feel hearty and satisfying.
Fresh Vegetables
To make your pasta salad even more vibrant and nutritious, fresh vegetables are a must. I love using seasonal vegetables because they’re at their peak flavor and add a crisp, colorful touch. Think crunchy bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots—they’re all fantastic fresh ingredients. I often toss in some cucumbers for extra crunch or zucchini for a mild, invigorating bite. Don’t forget leafy greens like spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. Mixing in these veggies not only boosts the texture but also makes the dish feel lighter and more satisfying. It’s an easy way to make your salad shine!
