This Easy Pasta Salad is colorful, fresh, and perfect for any gathering! With pasta, veggies, and a tasty dressing, it’s a hit at picnics and potlucks alike.
Making it is a breeze! Just cook the pasta, toss in chopped veggies, and add your favorite dressing. I love how quick it is—perfect for those busy days when I need a tasty side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta is not only fun but great at holding the dressing. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even shells could work well.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they’re a must for freshness. If they’re out of season, try grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes—just make sure to remove excess juice.
Cucumber: Adds crunch to the salad. If you want more flavor, try using a Persian cucumber or even diced bell pepper as a substitute.
Bell Pepper: Red or green gives a nice color. Yellow or orange peppers can also work for sweetness. Don’t have peppers? Zucchini can be a great alternative!
Red Onion: Its sharpness brightens the salad. You can substitute with green onions for a milder taste or shallots for a sweeter option.
Olives: Black olives are classic here, but green olives or even capers can add a different flavor if you prefer. If you’re avoiding olives altogether, pickles can add a nice tang!
Mozzarella Balls: These creamy bites are delightful. If you can’t find them, cubed regular mozzarella works too. Vegan cheese is another good alternative.
Italian Dressing: You can either use store-bought or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. A simple lemon vinaigrette is a tasty substitute if you want a lighter option.
How Do I Get the Pasta Perfectly Al Dente?
Cooking the pasta just right is key for a great pasta salad. Al dente means “to the tooth,” which means your pasta should have a slight bite to it, not mushy.
- Boil a large pot of salted water before adding the rotini.
- Follow package instructions and start checking for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.
- When it’s al dente, drain it and immediately rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down for the salad.
Remember, you want your pasta to hold its shape so it doesn’t turn mushy in the salad. A little practice will make you a pro at cooking pasta perfectly every time!
How to Make Easy Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if large
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Italian dressing (bottled or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling in the fridge. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before you can dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (this usually takes about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, black olives, mozzarella balls, and fresh parsley. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it well.
3. Dressing the Salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together gently so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed for flavor.
4. Chilling the Salad:
Cover your mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully!
5. Serving the Salad:
After chilling, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor before serving. Enjoy your refreshing and colorful pasta salad!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the rotini pasta with a gluten-free variety such as quinoa pasta or brown rice pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions specific to the gluten-free pasta you’re using, as cooking times may vary.
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella balls or replace them with a plant-based cheese alternative. Additionally, check the Italian dressing to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products, or make a homemade version using olive oil, vinegar, and your favorite herbs.
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, so just give it a good stir before serving. If it seems a bit dry after a day or so, you can add a splash more dressing to refresh it!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! This pasta salad is very customizable. Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach, shredded carrots, or even artichoke hearts. Just chop them up and mix them in when combining the other ingredients!
