Description
This Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal. Loaded with colorful veggies, tangy dressing, and tender pasta, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and olives (if using). Set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and oregano or Italian seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Top with fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) before serving.
Notes
- You can add protein to this pasta salad, such as grilled chicken, tuna, or chickpeas, to make it a more filling meal.
- For extra crunch, try adding some diced celery or roasted nuts (like sunflower seeds).
- The pasta salad can be made up to 1 day in advance for better flavor.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or bowties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg