Nothing beats the joy of sharing a fresh and vibrant dish on a warm day, and this Summer Pasta Salad Recipe is just the ticket! Bursting with colorful veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, planning a potluck, or just craving a refreshing meal, this recipe brings that bright, sun-soaked flavor straight to your table, making every bite feel like a celebration of summer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a pasta salad that’s full of texture, flavor, and color. Each component plays its part in making this Summer Pasta Salad Recipe a true crowd-pleaser, from the tender pasta to the crisp veggies and the bold, tangy dressing.
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta: Choose shapes that hold onto the dressing and ingredients perfectly.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: Brings refreshing crunch to lighten every bite.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced: Offers a sweet, crisp texture and a pop of red.
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced: Adds cheerful brightness and subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Provides a mild, sharp bite to balance the salad.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: Gives a savory, slightly salty depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Adds creamy, tangy richness and a crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note to brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the dressing, lending richness and a silky finish.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers a tangy kick that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle sharpness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous aroma that complements the ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta has a satisfying bite and won’t turn mushy once chilled. After cooking, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely, which is key for a refreshing salad texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Mix Salad
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Toss all these colorful veggies with the cooled pasta in a large bowl along with the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. This combination makes for a rainbow of flavors and an exciting mix of textures in every forkful.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is emulsified. This dressing is the magic that ties the whole salad together, giving it a bright, tangy, and herbaceous lift that complements the veggies beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen, transforming it into a lively and delicious Summer Pasta Salad Recipe that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or some additional crumbled feta cheese for a pop of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns can elevate the presentation and add a little extra freshness on top.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even some warm garlic bread for a more filling meal. If you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic, it complements just about any main with its bright and refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Summer Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for easy portability and a charming touch. You could also layer it in a large glass bowl to show off all those beautiful colors, which will make your table look as inviting as the salad tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps its fresh vibe for up to 3 days when stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve over time, so it’s a fantastic option for meal prep or a make-ahead dish for your next gathering.
Freezing
Freezing this Summer Pasta Salad Recipe isn’t ideal due to the fresh vegetables and feta, which can lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit a few minutes at room temperature before serving to bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I add protein to this Summer Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or sliced salami work beautifully for an extra protein boost and make the salad more substantial as a main course.
What type of pasta works best in this salad?
Rotini or bowtie pasta are perfect because their curves and folds hold onto the dressing and mix-ins well, giving you a delicious bite every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor or texture.
How long can I prepare this pasta salad in advance?
It’s best to prepare it up to a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Can I customize the veggies in this pasta salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite summer vegetables like zucchini, corn kernels, or even fresh basil to make this recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you look forward to summer meals all year long. It’s easy to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and endlessly versatile. Whether for a laid-back lunch or a lively party side, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to salad for sunny days!
Print
Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all coated in a tangy red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing. It’s an easy-to-make, light side dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool completely and stop the cooking process.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red and yellow bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients for the best taste.
Notes
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salami.
- Use gluten-free pasta as an alternative if dietary restrictions require it.
- The salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks.
