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Easy Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer – Light, Colorful & Crowd-Pleasing

When summer heat calls for cool dishes, few recipes hit the spot quite like an Easy Pasta Salad. It’s crisp, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—packed with crunchy vegetables, al dente pasta, and a tangy vinaigrette that ties it all together. 🍝🌞 This salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you're feeding a crowd at a cookout or meal prepping for the week, this dish keeps beautifully and tastes even better the next day. It's a true summer staple!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Serves 6–8
🥬 Salad
  • 12 oz rotini penne, or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • ¾ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup black olives sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
🫙 Vinaigrette Dressing
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it quickly and stop cooking.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
  1. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 3: Assemble
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, olives, and feta. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss to coat thoroughly.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
  1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Creamy Version: Replace vinaigrette with a mayo/yogurt mix for a creamy dressing
Protein Additions: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas
Italian-Style: Add mozzarella balls and salami slices
Spicy Kick: Include a few banana pepper rings or a pinch of red pepper flakes
Herb-Focused: Use fresh basil, dill, or cilantro depending on your flavor profile
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Make Ahead: Best made a few hours or even the day before
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Refreshing Tip: Add a splash of dressing before serving if pasta has absorbed too much
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes—just avoid overcooking, as it can get mushy when cold.
Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely—skip the cheese and ensure your mustard and sweetener are vegan.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes—great for teaching kids how to chop soft veggies and mix ingredients.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Yes—cooling the pasta stops it from getting mushy and helps the dressing stick better.
How do I stop it from drying out?
Save a bit of dressing to add just before serving.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
No—freezing will affect texture of pasta and veggies.
What if I don’t like olives?
Leave them out or substitute with artichoke hearts or pickles.
Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but homemade is fresher and customizable.
What kind of pasta holds dressing best?
Rotini, fusilli, or bowties are ideal because of their curves and crevices.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes—this scales perfectly for big gatherings.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Summer Pasta Salad is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again. It’s fresh, fuss-free, and full of textures and flavors that everyone loves. Whether it's for a barbecue, a weeknight side, or a picnic spread, this dish guarantees smiles and empty bowls. 🥗☀️
Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to summer salad—because it’s just that good