Ultimate Easy Summer Pasta Salad | Fresh & Delicious Recipe
Warm summer days often call for meals that are light, refreshing, and easy to prepare. When the sun is shining and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in a hot kitchen, pasta salad comes to the rescue. It’s colorful, versatile, and packed with fresh flavors that make every bite satisfying. The beauty of a summer pasta salad lies in its simplicity—you can whip it up in advance, serve it cold, and pair it with nearly any summer spread, from backyard barbecues to picnic baskets.
What makes this ultimate easy summer pasta salad so special is the balance of textures and flavors. Tender pasta mingles with crunchy vegetables, zesty dressing, and optional proteins to create a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether you’re hosting friends or preparing quick weekday lunches.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a simple breakdown of the core ingredients you’ll need, along with approximate calorie counts per serving size:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rotini pasta (uncooked) | 12 oz (about 6 cups cooked) | 630 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 2 cups (halved) | 60 |
| Cucumber | 1 medium (diced) | 30 |
| Red bell pepper | 1 medium (chopped) | 40 |
| Red onion | ½ small (sliced) | 20 |
| Black olives | ½ cup (sliced) | 80 |
| Feta cheese | ½ cup (crumbled) | 200 |
| Fresh parsley | ¼ cup (chopped) | 5 |
| Italian dressing (bottled or homemade) | ¾ cup | 300 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. - Prepare the vegetables:
While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. - Combine ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the prepared vegetables. Gently toss to distribute everything evenly. - Add flavor:
Sprinkle in the feta cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of creaminess and freshness. - Dress the salad:
Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture. Start with half, toss well, and add more as needed until everything is lightly coated. - Chill before serving:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Switch up the pasta: Try bowties, penne, or shells if rotini isn’t on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works just as well.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can turn this into a hearty main course.
- Play with cheese: Swap feta for mozzarella pearls, parmesan shavings, or even goat cheese for a twist.
- Make it zesty: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes for a bright, tangy kick.
- Go Mediterranean: Toss in artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for added depth.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Backyard barbecues: Serve as a side dish alongside grilled burgers, kebabs, or BBQ chicken.
- Picnic-friendly option: Pack it into containers for a refreshing outdoor meal.
- Work lunch prep: Divide into meal prep boxes for a quick grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
- Party platter: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of dressing for a stunning presentation.
Ultimate Easy Summer Pasta Salad
8
servings5
minutes10
minutes180
kcalIngredients
12 oz rotini pasta (about 6 cups cooked)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¾ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare vegetables while pasta cooks: chop cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and tomatoes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, vegetables, feta, and parsley.
- Pour dressing over salad. Toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta salad tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.
If the salad seems a little dry after chilling, simply add an extra splash of Italian dressing before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Pasta salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge because the flavors have more time to blend. You can prepare it the day before serving—just give it a quick toss and add a little extra dressing if it seems dry.
2. How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, pasta salad will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. For best flavor and texture, enjoy it within the first two days.
3. What kind of pasta works best for pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes with ridges, like rotini, bowties, penne, or shells, are ideal because they hold the dressing and small bits of veggies well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which doesn’t mix as easily.
4. Can I make pasta salad without cheese?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the feta or swap it for a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast or marinated tofu cubes are great plant-based substitutes.
5. How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Rinsing pasta after cooking helps prevent clumping. Also, toss it with half the dressing while it’s still slightly warm, then add the rest just before serving for maximum freshness.
Conclusion
An ultimate easy summer pasta salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a versatile recipe that adapts to your taste, schedule, and gatherings. With fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a flavorful dressing, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding a group or simply treating yourself to a refreshing meal, this dish embodies the carefree spirit of summer. Try it once, and it just might become your new warm-weather staple.
