Classic Pasta Salad Recipe 🍝🌿 Zesty, Chilled, and Tossed with Crunch, Color, and Big Flavor

Classic Pasta Salad is the crowd-pleasing side dish that never goes out of style. It’s simple: al dente pasta tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with crunchy veggies, savory add-ins, and fresh herbs.

Great on its own, next to grilled meat, or as the base for your own signature version.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 12 oz short pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• ¾ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¾ cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella
• 2–3 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Zesty Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of sugar or honey to balance

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, Italian seasoning, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, veggies, cheese, olives, and herbs. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss again and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve cold.

Flavor Variations

• Add salami, grilled chicken, or tuna for protein
• Use feta and kalamata olives with lemon juice for a Greek twist
• Stir in artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or pepperoncini for briny punch
• Swap in pesto, ranch, or creamy Italian dressing for a different vibe

Serving Ideas

• Perfect for cookouts, BBQs, and picnics
• Meal prep winner — stays great for 3–4 days
• Serve with grilled burgers, chicken, or veggie skewers
• Makes a great potluck dish — easy to scale up or down

Pro Tips

• Salt your pasta water — it’s the first layer of flavor
• Let it chill fully before adjusting seasoning (flavors deepen over time)
• Don’t overcook the pasta or it’ll go mushy after chilling
• Add herbs just before serving for the freshest flavor

Final Thoughts

Classic Pasta Salad is all about texture, balance, and that refreshing chill. It’s endlessly riffable, keeps well, and plays nicely with anything off the grill or out of the fridge.

Boil, toss, chill, repeat. 🍝🌿🥗