Description
This classic pasta salad recipe is fresh, colorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Tender pasta, crunchy veggies, tangy vinaigrette, and cheese come together for a crowd-pleasing dish that can be made ahead and customized for any diet.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini, fusilli, or bowtie pasta (short shapes; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 3/4 cup cubed cheddar, mozzarella pearls, or crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill)
- 1/2 cup diced salami or pepperoni (optional)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes for al dente), stirring occasionally.
- Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds to cool. Shake off excess water.
- While pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, olives (if using), and cheese. Chop fresh herbs.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt & pepper.
- Add cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Toss in all chopped veggies, cheese, herbs, and meats if using. Pour dressing over the top.
- Gently toss everything together until well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to let flavors mingle.
- Serve cold or at cool room temperature, garnished with extra herbs or cheese if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, toss dressing with pasta while still slightly warm. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Customize with seasonal veggies, vegan or gluten-free swaps, or add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken. If making ahead, reserve extra dressing to refresh before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (150 g) per serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: pasta salad, classic pasta salad, picnic salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, vegetarian, summer salad, homemade pasta salad, crowd-pleaser, gluten-free option