This pasta salad is colorful, tasty, and super easy to make! With fresh veggies, pasta, and a zesty dressing, it’s like a picnic on a plate.
I love how quick this dish comes together. Perfect for a potluck or a fun dinner at home. And let’s be real—it’s always nice having leftovers for lunch! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta shape is great for holding onto dressing. If you don’t have rotini, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well too. Gluten-free pasta can also be used for a gluten-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds a nice pop to the salad. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use regular tomatoes chopped into small pieces. Canned diced tomatoes can work in a pinch but will alter the texture a bit.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch. If you want more flavor, use a seedless cucumber or a Persian cucumber. Alternatively, bell pepper can add some crunch if you’re out of cucumbers.
Bell Pepper: I enjoy using red bell peppers for their sweetness, but green is perfectly fine! You can also use other colorful peppers for a more vibrant dish.
Olives: Black olives are classic, but green olives can add a different taste. If you prefer to skip olives, capers can provide a similar briny flavor.
Mozzarella Balls: These are fun to add but if you don’t have them, cubed mozzarella or even feta cheese can be a delightful substitute.
Italian Dressing: Homemade dressing can be much fresher! Combine olive oil, vinegar, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for a quick alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Full of Flavor?
For a pasta salad that shines, it’s all about combining the right ingredients and letting them sit. First, cooking the pasta al dente is key. It should be firm to the bite, keeping it from getting mushy as it sits. Cooling it quickly helps too!
- Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mix the dressing, cheese, and freshly chopped herbs with the salad right before serving, as it helps to dress the salad evenly.
- Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Cold temperatures help the flavors blend beautifully.
Finally, remember to taste before serving. You can always add extra dressing or seasonings to enhance the flavor! Enjoy your classic pasta salad!
How to Make Classic Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Overall, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes or until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it off. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
2. Mixing the Fresh Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, sliced black olives, mozzarella balls, and finely chopped red onion. These ingredients will add lots of flavor and color to your salad!
3. Dressing the Salad:
Now it’s time to flavor your salad! Drizzle the Italian dressing over the pasta mix, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. This will really elevate the flavor!
4. Tossing It All Together:
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure every piece of pasta and vegetable is coated with the dressing.
5. Chilling Out:
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together, making your salad even tastier!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give your pasta salad another gentle toss. Taste it and adjust the seasoning or dressing if you think it needs a little more flavor. Now, it’s ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled and delight in the tasty freshness!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute rotini with gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can vary. Follow the package instructions for the best results, and rinse it under cold water to cool just like regular pasta!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can include veggies like celery, carrots, or even spinach. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes as the other ingredients for even distribution and texture in the salad.
How Long Does Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Your classic pasta salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Just store it in an airtight container. If it seems a bit dry when you’re ready to serve, you can add a splash of dressing to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad in Advance?
Yes, this pasta salad is perfect for make-ahead meals! You can prepare it a day before serving. Just keep it well-covered in the fridge, and give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
