What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, packed with fresh flavors and easy to make. You’ll love how simple it is to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile—swap veggies, cheeses, or dressings to match your taste or what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect for any occasion—great for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch all week long.
Recipe
Pasta salad is a versatile and invigorating dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick meal. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, savory cheese, and a tangy dressing for a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese to the bowl.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Substitute feta with mozzarella or omit cheese for a vegan version.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
– Mediterranean
Serving:
– 4-6 servings
Nutrition
1 serving of homemade pasta salad provides essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade pasta salad with grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal, and I’ve found garlic bread adds a delicious crunch. Sometimes, I toss in extra veggies for freshness, but those two sides are my go-to. It’s a simple combo that always feels satisfying!
Grilled Chicken
When I’m making grilled chicken, I love pairing it with dishes that balance its smoky flavor, like a fresh pasta salad that’s loaded with colorful veggies and a tangy dressing. The crunch of bell peppers, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the zing of red onions in the salad create a perfect contrast to the chicken’s charred edges. I often toss in some olives or feta for an extra pop of flavor. It’s a meal that feels light yet satisfying, and the combination always leaves me feeling like I’ve nailed dinner without too much effort.
Garlic Bread
With its buttery, garlicky goodness, garlic bread is a side dish that’s hard to resist—but it’s even better when paired with the right main course. I love serving it with pasta salad because it adds a warm, hearty element to the meal. The crunch of the toasted bread and the rich flavors balance out the cool, tangy pasta perfectly. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Just spread garlic butter on bread, toast it, and you’re done. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes any meal feel complete, and it’s always the first thing to disappear from my table.
