This easy and fresh pasta salad is a perfect mix of colorful veggies and tasty pasta. It’s light, refreshing, and so simple to make!
Honestly, I just toss together some pasta, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and a zesty dressing. It’s basically a party in a bowl! 🍝🎉 Perfect for picnics or quick lunches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini for its ability to hold onto the dressing and flavors. If you’re out of rotini, any short pasta like fusilli or penne works well. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you’re avoiding gluten.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Can’t find them? Diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes are good substitutes. I love mixing red and yellow for a fun look!
Zucchini: This adds crunch and nutrition. If zucchini isn’t available, cucumbers make a refreshing alternative. Just slice them thinly, and you won’t lose any crispiness.
Olives: Kalamata and green olives bring a salty depth to the salad. You can swap them with any olives you have on hand, or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan.
Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is creamy and delicious. If you prefer a firmer cheese, try diced feta or cubed cheddar instead.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From Your Pasta Salad?
The key to an amazing pasta salad is letting the ingredients meld together. After tossing everything with the dressing, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak into the pasta and veggies, making every bite tasty!
- Be sure to salt your pasta water; this is your first flavor boost!
- If you don’t like the dressing as is, feel free to adjust it. Add more olive oil or vinegar to make it suit your taste!
- Mix in herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh kick!
Easy and Fresh Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow)
- 1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 small orange bell pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if large
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy pasta salad will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. You’ll enjoy the vibrant flavors after everything has had a chance to meld together, making it all the more delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. Drain again to remove any excess water.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced zucchini, orange bell pepper, Kalamata olives, green olives, fresh mozzarella balls, and sliced green onions. Mix everything gently, so you don’t squish the mozzarella!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning (or dried oregano), garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed to suit your preference.
4. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything gently to combine evenly. Ensure all the veggies and pasta are coated with the delicious dressing.
5. Adding the Finishing Touch:
Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last light toss to mix in the cheese. This adds a lovely salty flavor to the salad!
6. Chilling Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it cold or at room temperature for the best taste!
This easy and fresh pasta salad is colorful, light, and delicious — perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or summer picnics!
FAQ for Easy and Fresh Pasta Salad
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for this salad, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just note that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when serving.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pasta salad by adding other ingredients like diced cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even grilled chicken for some extra protein. This salad is very versatile!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Salad?
This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side for a picnic!
