Name: Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounce box dry rotini pasta (tri-color or regular); 10 ounces grape tomatoes (halved); 2 cups chopped green bell peppers; 8 ounces cubed cheese*; 4 ounces sliced pepperoni (sliced in half); 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to summer dish: Pasta Salad. This colorful medley brings together tender rotini, crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and rich cubes of cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. It’s the kind of recipe that covers both comfort and excitement, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just lunch at home! From its vibrant appearance to the explosion of flavors in every bite, this version of pasta salad is pure edible joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, but each one plays an important part in making this pasta salad shine. Every component adds something notable, from crunch to creaminess to a lively splash of color.

Rotini Pasta (12 ounces): The spiral shape holds onto the dressing and toppings beautifully, making every forkful flavorful.
Grape Tomatoes (10 ounces, halved): These little bursts of sweetness balance the boldness of the vinaigrette.
Green Bell Peppers (2 cups, chopped): Adds a crisp, fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Cubed Cheese (8 ounces): Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite block cheese lends creaminess and heft.
Pepperoni (4 ounces, sliced in half): A zesty kick that transforms this salad into a hearty treat.
Sliced Black Olives (1/4 cup): Salty and savory, they round out the Mediterranean vibe.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3/4 cup): The base of a luscious, flavorful dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar (3/4 cup): Provides tang and brightness in every bite.
Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the acid of the vinegar and brings out the other flavors.
Dried Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): An herb blend that infuses the whole salad with aromatic depth.
Dried Sweet Basil (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra note of freshness and slight sweetness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A finishing touch of warmth and spice.

How to Make Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your rotini pasta according to the package instructions for al dente. You want the noodles to have a little bite—they’ll hold their shape and soak up more flavor in the salad.

Step 2: Cool Down the Pasta

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and immediately rinse it under cold water. This step cools the noodles quickly and helps stop the cooking process, so you don’t end up with mushy pasta. It also ensures your salad will be perfectly chilled and refreshing.

Step 3: Build the Pasta Salad Base

Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the grape tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, cubed cheese, sliced pepperoni, and black olives. This is where all the beautiful colors and textures come together, promising a salad that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sugar has dissolved and the dressing turns slightly glossy. The aroma alone will have you hungry already!

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Pour the homemade dressing right over your bowl of pasta salad and toss gently. Don’t rush this step—it’s worth making sure every single spiral gets coated for the fullest flavor in each mouthful.

Step 6: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your pasta salad and chill it well in the refrigerator until serving time. The secret to an unforgettable pasta salad is letting it rest: the flavors meld and intensify, making it even tastier after a few hours.

How to Serve Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Pasta Salad loves a good flourish! Finish your bowl with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley or basil for freshness and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if you’re feeling decadent. Even a grind of black pepper just before serving can take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is easily a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, crusty garlic bread, or a simple green salad. For picnics and potlucks, set it alongside other sides like deviled eggs or roasted veggies for a true feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your pasta salad by mounding it into a big, wide bowl so all the bright colors are on display. Try layering it in mason jars for portable picnic servings, or arrange it on a platter with extra veggies and cheese on top for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it will stay fresh for up to four days. If it seems a little dry when you’re ready to enjoy it again, toss it with a splash of olive oil or vinegar to revive those irresistible flavors.

Freezing

While many pasta dishes freeze beautifully, pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can affect the texture of the vegetables and cheese, but if you must, freeze just the cooked pasta and add the rest fresh for best results.

Reheating

Pasta salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, a little time in the fridge makes the flavors even better! If you’d like, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini works perfectly due to its shape, you can easily swap in penne, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture in your pasta salad.

What cheese works best in pasta salad?

Mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are fantastic options for their creamy texture and mild flavor. For extra zing, try using cubes of pepper jack or even feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Simply leave out the pepperoni for a classic vegetarian pasta salad. You can also add more veggies like diced cucumber, roasted red pepper, or steamed broccoli to bulk it up.

How far in advance can I make pasta salad?

Pasta salad is an ideal make-ahead dish since the flavors improve as it sits. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What if my pasta salad seems dry?

If your pasta salad loses some moisture while chilling, simply toss it with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a splash of vinegar before serving. This will refresh the textures and make every bite as good as the first!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that’s equal parts colorful, delicious, and endlessly versatile, this Pasta Salad is your answer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, so gather your favorite ingredients and give it a whirl—your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pasta Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal. With a mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, pepperoni, and a zesty dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to box directions for al dente pasta.
Cool Pasta: Rinse cooked pasta under cold water until pasta has cooled.
Combine Ingredients: Toss pasta with grape tomatoes, green bell peppers, cheese, pepperoni, and black olives in a large mixing bowl.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, salt, and pepper.
Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Chill: Chill well until ready to serve. The flavors improve as the pasta salad sits.

Notes

This pasta salad can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add more veggies or a plant-based protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian