A fresh, colorful, and delicious pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or a light lunch. Packed with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and a flavorful homemade dressing, this recipe is easy to make and even better after chilling in the refrigerator.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces (340 g) rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools, wash and chop all the vegetables.
Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives.
Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables.
Add the cubed cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Make sure the vegetables and cheese are distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 6: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This allows the flavors to blend together and makes the salad even more delicious.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Give the pasta salad a quick stir before serving.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve cold as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Add grilled chicken, tuna, or shrimp for extra protein.
- Use your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella or feta.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yield
Serves 6–8 people.
This easy pasta salad is creamy, crunchy, tangy, and packed with fresh flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. 🍝🥗✨