Easy & Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe
This easy pasta salad is colorful, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s great for lunch, dinner, picnics, or family gatherings. You can make it ahead of time, and it tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 12 oz short pasta rotini, fusilli, or bow-tie
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup cucumber thinly sliced
- ½ cup bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup olives sliced
- ¾ cup mozzarella cubes or feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon honey or sugar optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until soft but not mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey until well mixed.
- Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Add fresh herbs and mix again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or parties
- Fresh, light, and full of flavor
- Easy to change with what you have at home
Variations & Add-Ins
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein
- Use Italian seasoning instead of oregano
- Add pepperoncini for a tangy kick
- Try whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta