A perfect pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course, especially during the warmer months. It combines pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing for a satisfying and refreshing meal. Follow this recipe to learn how to make a pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor and textures.
Ingredients for Perfect Pasta Salad
- 1 pound pasta (such as fusilli, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Perfect Pasta Salad
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Cut cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the olives. Place them all in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add Herbs and Extras: Add chopped basil, parsley, crumbled feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using) to the salad. Toss gently again to combine all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light main course.
About the Main Ingredients
- Pasta: Provides a hearty base for the salad and absorbs the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives add color, crunch, and freshness to the salad. They also contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
- Herbs and Cheese: Fresh basil and parsley lend herbaceous notes, while feta cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Dressing: A simple yet flavorful dressing of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and sweetener balances the acidity and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
This perfect pasta salad recipe is customizable based on your preferences and what you have on hand. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve something delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this classic pasta salad!
