This fresh and flavorful pasta salad recipe is a breeze to make and is perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish for picnics and gatherings. It can be easily customized with your favorite veggies and protein. The dressing is simple yet delicious, made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You can use hearty pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle, or even orzo for a smaller shape. Add plenty of colorful vegetables for crunch and flavor, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fennel.
Don’t forget the cheese! Fresh mozzarella and parmesan are great options, but you can also try feta or shredded cheddar. Olives, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley add extra depth of flavor. Add some protein with chickpeas, chicken, or salmon, and you’ve got a complete meal. The dressing is tangy and pairs perfectly with the pasta and other ingredients.
Make the pasta salad ahead of time to let the flavors meld together and serve it chilled. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Try this easy pasta salad recipe for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Easy Pasta Salad
To make this easy pasta salad recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dried pasta (such as fusilli, penne, rotini, or farfalle) | 1 pound |
| Sliced bell pepper | 1 cup |
| Thinly sliced zucchini | 1 cup |
| Halved cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Thinly sliced scallions | 1/3 cup |
| Sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Mixed olives, halved | 1 cup |
| Grated parmesan cheese or other hard cheese | 4 ounces |
| Fresh mozzarella balls, chopped | 6 ounces |
| Fresh parsley or basil (optional) | 1/3 cup |
| Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar | 1/3 cup |
| Fine sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Juice from pepperoncini jar (optional) | 2 to 3 tablespoons |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
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How to Make Easy Pasta Salad?
Follow these simple steps to make this easy pasta salad recipe:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan cheese, mozzarella balls, and parsley or basil (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and juice from the pepperoncini jar (if using). Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Customizing Your Pasta Salad
One of the great things about this easy pasta salad recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Swap out the vegetables
Use seasonal vegetables or your personal favorites. Try adding blanched green beans, fresh spinach, artichokes, red bell peppers, chickpeas, or broccoli for a more veg-forward version.
Change up the cheese
Instead of mozzarella and parmesan, experiment with other types of cheese like feta, provolone, or shredded cheddar.
Try different pasta shapes
While penne, fusilli, rotini, and farfalle are recommended for their ability to hold the dressing and cheese, you can also use other types of pasta like orzo or tortellini.
Add extra flavor boosters
Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, pickled garlic, or fresh herbs like basil, dill, or chives for added flavor and freshness.
More Pasta Salad Recipes
If you’re looking for more pasta salad inspiration, here are a few other recipes to try:
Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad: Made with a simple creamy dressing and crisp veggies, this macaroni pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Orzo Pasta Salad: This easy orzo pasta salad is dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette and loaded with refreshing ingredients like cucumber, olives, artichokes, tomato, and fresh herbs.
Pearl Couscous Salad: This flavorful salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, nuts, raisins, and a tangy dressing.
Greek Pasta Salad: With olives, red onion, feta cheese, and green bell peppers, this Greek-inspired salad is a Mediterranean delight.
Italian Pasta Salad: Made with chopped salami, Italian herbs, and provolone cheese, this Italian pasta salad is a savory and satisfying option.
Expand your pasta salad repertoire with these delicious recipes!
FAQ
What can I use to customize my pasta salad?
You can customize your pasta salad with your favorite veggies and protein. Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and fennel. Add cheese such as fresh mozzarella, parmesan, feta, or shredded cheddar. Enhance the flavor with olives, pepperoncini peppers, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. For added protein, try chickpeas, chicken, or salmon.
How long can I keep pasta salad in the fridge?
Pasta salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
How do I make the dressing for the pasta salad?
To make the dressing, whisk together red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar), olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also add juice from the pepperoncini jar for an extra punch of flavor.
What type of pasta should I use for this salad?
You can use hearty pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. Orzo, a smaller pasta shape, is also a great option.
Can I make the pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to make the pasta salad ahead of time to let the flavors meld together. Simply cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can I customize the pasta salad further?
Absolutely! Here are some ideas to inspire you: try swapping out the vegetables, changing up the cheese, using different pasta shapes, and adding extra flavor boosters like sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs.
Do you have any other pasta salad recipes to recommend?
Yes, here are a few other recipes you can try: Creamy Macaroni Pasta Salad, Orzo Pasta Salad, Pearl Couscous Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, and Italian Pasta Salad. Each recipe offers its own unique twist on the classic pasta salad.
