Easy and Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe

Let’s explore the perfect recipe and everything you need to know to make the best PASTA SALAD ever.

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Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious PASTA SALAD:

• 🍝 Pasta (Rotini, fusilli, or penne work best – 2 cups dry)
• 🍅 Cherry tomatoes (halved – 1 cup)
• 🧀 Feta cheese (crumbled – ½ cup)
• 🥒 Cucumber (diced – 1 medium)
• 🫒 Black olives (sliced – ½ cup)
• 🧅 Red onion (thinly sliced – ¼ cup)
• 🌿 Fresh parsley (chopped – 2 tablespoons)

For the dressing:

• 🫒 Olive oil – ¼ cup
• 🍋 Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
• 🧄 Minced garlic – 1 clove
• 🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
• 🥄 Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon (optional)

Simple ingredients, right? But together, they create something unforgettable.

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Why This Pasta Salad Works

Balance is everything — this pasta salad hits all the notes: savory from the feta, crisp from the veggies, tangy from the lemony dressing, and filling thanks to the pasta. It’s fresh but hearty.

This dish is a blank canvas too. You can switch up the vegetables, try a new cheese, or even toss in some grilled chicken or tuna if you’re looking for protein.

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Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let’s make it together. Here’s how:

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.

2: Prep the vegetables
While the pasta cooks, chop your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the olives and red onion, and crumble the feta.

Step 3: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and mustard. Taste and adjust.

4: Combine everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, veggies, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix gently until everything is coated.

Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes everything extra refreshing.

6: Serve cold and enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you like a citrusy kick.

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Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time

• Always salt your water — your pasta should taste seasoned.
• Don’t overcook! You want al dente texture, so it holds its shape in the salad.
• Rinse after cooking to stop the heat and prevent clumping.

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Best Pasta Types for Pasta Salad

Not all pasta is created equal for salads. The best options are:

• Rotini – spiral shape holds dressing well.
• Fusilli – a fun twist that adds texture.
• Penne – sturdy and hearty.
• Orzo – for a lighter, rice-like feel.

Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine — they tend to clump in cold salads.

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Dressing Ideas to Elevate Flavor

Want to change things up? Here are a few alternatives to the classic lemon dressing:

• Balsamic vinaigrette – sweet and tangy.
• Greek dressing – with oregano and red wine vinegar.
• Pesto – for a rich and herby vibe.
• Creamy ranch or tahini – if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

Homemade dressings are always best — and they only take a few minutes.

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Add-ins and Variations

Your salad, your rules. Try adding:

• Protein: Grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or boiled eggs.
• Crunch: Toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or croutons.
• Fruits: Diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries.
• Herbs: Basil, dill, mint — fresh is best.

This makes the recipe fun and flexible — you’ll never get bored.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Pasta salad is a great make-ahead dish. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• If making ahead, reserve some dressing to freshen it up before serving.
• Don’t freeze it — the texture doesn’t hold well.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooked pasta – mushy texture ruins the whole dish.
• Under-seasoning – bland pasta = boring salad.
• Drowning in dressing – it should coat, not overwhelm.
• Skipping chill time – the flavors need time to blend.

Fix these, and your salad will always shine.

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Serving Suggestions

PASTA SALAD is perfect on its own but also pairs well with:

• Grilled meats like chicken skewers or steak.
• Barbecue sides – think corn on the cob or baked beans.
• Soup – especially tomato or minestrone.
• Sandwiches – a scoop on the side goes a long way.

It’s also ideal for packed lunches, picnics, or late-night snacks.

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Healthy Twists You Can Try

Want a lighter version? Try:

• Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
• Low-fat feta or vegan cheese
• Olive oil-based dressing with no mayo
• Extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots

It’s all about balancing flavor and nutrition.

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Seasonal Pasta Salad Ideas

Make this salad year-round by using seasonal produce:

• Spring: Asparagus, peas, radishes
• Summer: Corn, tomatoes, basil
• Fall: Roasted squash, kale, cranberries
• Winter: Roasted root vegetables, pomegranate seeds

Fresh, seasonal ingredients will always enhance the taste.

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Gluten-Free or Vegan Alternatives

Yes — pasta salad can be made for everyone:

• Gluten-free pasta: Brown rice, lentil, or chickpea-based.
• Vegan cheese: Nutritional yeast or store-bought vegan feta.
• Protein: Tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas instead of meat.

Make it inclusive — and still delicious.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need much, but here’s what helps:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl for tossing everything
• Whisk or fork for dressing
• Airtight container for storage

Simple tools = less cleanup = more time to enjoy.

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Final Thoughts and Conclusion

This PASTA SALAD recipe isn’t just a side — it’s a star in its own right. It’s customizable, fresh, colorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making lunch for one, it’s a dish that delivers every time.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones made with care and good ingredients. And this pasta salad proves it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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