Summer Pasta Salads
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Summer pasta salads are the perfect way to enjoy a light, rejuvenating meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or need a quick lunch, this recipe is a winner.
Effortless to make, just toss everything together for a dish that’s ready in no time.
Versatile and customizable, so you can mix in your favorite veggies, proteins, or dressings.
Perfect for sharing, making it a hit at picnics, parties, or family dinners.
Recipe
Pasta salads are a rejuvenating and versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings. They combine al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Stir in fresh herbs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320 per serving
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
Pasta salads are a great way to enjoy a balanced meal during summer. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing summer pasta salads with fresh bread like a crusty baguette or warm focaccia—it’s perfect for soaking up any extra dressing. For something lighter, I often grill veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, adding a smoky flavor that complements the salad beautifully. These sides make the meal feel complete without being too heavy.
Fresh Bread Options
Nothing complements a revitalizing summer pasta salad quite like a slice of warm, freshly baked bread. I love pairing it with an artisan loaf, especially one infused with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme—it adds a fragrant touch that elevates the meal. Sometimes, I’ll grab a crusty baguette or a soft ciabatta from the bakery, but if I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll bake my own. Tearing into that warm bread and dipping it into a bit of olive oil or balsamic vinegar feels like a little celebration. It’s simple, satisfying, and makes the whole meal feel complete.
Grilled Vegetable Pairings
When the grill’s fired up and the pasta salad’s ready, adding a few grilled veggies can take your meal to the next level. I love throwing on some grilled corn—it’s sweet, slightly smoky, and adds a nice crunch to every bite. Roasted peppers are another favorite of mine; their rich, caramelized flavor pairs perfectly with the lightness of the pasta. Zucchini and eggplant are great options too, and they soak up any dressing you’ve used. I usually drizzle everything with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle on some herbs. Trust me, these veggies turn a simple salad into something special.
