If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, filling, and comes together in minutes, this easy pasta salad recipe is about to become your go-to. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer barbecues, picnics, and meal prep, this recipe proves that big flavor doesn’t require complicated steps.
Home cooks across the US, UK, and Canada love this one because it’s quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
⭐ Why This Pasta Salad Is So Popular
Ready in under 30 minutes
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Delicious warm or cold
Great for make-ahead meals
Easy to customize for any diet
It’s no surprise everyone is talking about it.
🍝 Ingredients You’ll Need
This pasta salad recipe is flexible, but here’s a classic base:
12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup feta or mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley or basil
Simple Dressing
⅓ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Hack: Shake everything in a jar for a mess-free mix.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, toss pasta with vegetables, cheese, herbs, and dressing.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors blend.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Easy Pasta Salad
Salt the pasta water well—this builds flavor from the start
Don’t overdress; add more after chilling if needed
Use short pasta shapes to hold the dressing
Add herbs last for freshness
Let it rest before serving
🌱 Easy Pasta Salad Variations
Italian Pasta Salad
Add salami, pepperoncini, and Italian seasoning.
Chicken Pasta Salad
Toss in grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Vegan Pasta Salad
Skip cheese and add chickpeas or white beans.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Swap vinaigrette for Greek yogurt or mayo-based dressing.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Replace dressing with basil pesto for bold flavor.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
Meal prep-friendly: Yes
Refresh leftovers: Add a splash of olive oil before serving
❌ Common Pasta Salad Mistakes
❌ Overcooking the pasta
❌ Skipping seasoning
❌ Adding cheese too early when pasta is hot
❌ Not tasting before serving
🥗 Final Thoughts
You really won’t believe how easy this pasta salad recipe is—and how often you’ll come back to it. It’s fresh, flexible, and fits almost any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings.
✨ Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero stress.