The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This hearty pasta salad is fresh, colorful and delicious. Made with pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese cubes, salami and a herby dressing. If you are looking for an easy and filling salad recipe that is also super satisfying and delicious, this recipe is for you.

Prep Time20

Total Time20

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: World

Keyword: pasta salad

Servings:

Calories: 389kcal

Ingredients

For the salad:

10.5 oz Pasta cooked
5-6 Baby cucumbers or 2 regular cucumbers
1 Bell pepper chopped
7 oz Cherry tomatoes halved
1 Red onion sliced
7 oz Mozzarella
2 oz Salami chopped
2 tablespoons Parsley chopped

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons Vinegar
¼ cup Olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 clove Garlic grated (optional)
1 teaspoon Mustard

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the Salad: Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil. When boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain, add 1 tablespoons of oil and toss to combine. Set aside.
Add the pasta to a large bowl. Chop the veggies and add to the bowl. Cut the cheese into cubes and add to the bowl. Chop the salami into and add to the bowl.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk all dressing ingredients. Pour over the salad and mix well. Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips – Store this pasta salad in an airtight container, for up to 3-5 days. Freezing is not recommended. Take out from the fridge 30 minutes before serving for the optimal temperature.
Choose the Right Pasta: Select pasta shapes that have plenty of nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle.
Cook Pasta Properly: Boil your pasta in salted water until it's just al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and may fall apart when mixed with other ingredients. After draining, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Season Generously: Pasta can be quite bland, so make sure to season your cooking water well with salt. It's also a good idea to season the pasta with a bit of salt and pepper once it's cooled, before adding the other ingredients.
Use Fresh Vegetables: The crunch and color of fresh vegetables not only add to the visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the soft pasta. Dice or slice your veggies uniformly for even distribution throughout the salad.
Add a Protein: Incorporate a protein like diced chicken, salami, chickpeas, or tofu to turn your pasta salad into a satisfying meal.
Get Creative with the Dressing: A good dressing can make or break your pasta salad. Whether it’s a creamy dressing or a vinaigrette, ensure its flavorful and balanced. You might also consider adding fresh herbs, spices, or aromatic ingredients like garlic and mustard to enhance the dressing.
Balance the Textures: Include a variety of textures by adding different ingredients such as nuts for crunch, soft cheeses like feta or goat cheese for creaminess, and crisp veggies for freshness.
Serve at the Right Temperature: While pasta salad can be served cold, letting it come to near room temperature before serving can enhance the flavors and make the pasta texture more pleasing.
Watch the Video Recipe – For a better understanding of the recipe, I recommend watching the step-by-step video tutorial. It will guide you through the cooking, and assembly of the recipe to help you achieve the best results.
Check the FAQs – If you have any questions about ingredient substitutions, cooking methods, or storage tips, be sure to check the FAQs section located under the recipe card and the post above.

Nutrition