If you’re looking for a fast, delicious lunch or side dish, this easy pasta salad recipe for busy days is just right. It’s fresh, colorful, and super simple to make — no fuss, no stress! Perfect for school lunches, picnics, family dinners, or meal prep.
✨ Ingredients
You’ll need:
3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, bowtie, or any favorite shape)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
🥗 Simple Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons Italian dressing or lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian herbs
Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Quick Instructions
Cook the pasta
Boil according to package directions. Drain and let cool a bit.
Prep the veggies
While the pasta cooks, chop up your veggies and cheese.
Mix it all together
Toss pasta, veggies, cheese, and olives in a large bowl.
Add dressing
Pour on the olive oil mixture and stir until well coated.
Chill & enjoy
Serve right away or pop it in the fridge for later — it tastes even better cold!
💡 Optional Add-Ins
Make it your own!
Chicken or ham pieces
Mini pepperoni
Chickpeas
Fresh basil or parsley
A splash of your favorite dressing
⏱ Why It’s Perfect for Busy Days
✔ Ready in about 15 minutes
✔ Great leftovers for meals all week
✔ Easy to customize with what you have
✔ Kid-friendly and portable
👍 Tips for Success
Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop it from sticking.
If storing overnight, add a little extra dressing before serving — pasta absorbs flavor!
Use colorful veggies to make it look extra tasty.
This easy pasta salad recipe for busy days is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want something yummy. If you’d like, I can help you create a veggie-only version, a creamy version, or a fun themed pasta salad too. Just ask! 😄