Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies 🥒❄️ Fresh, Crunchy, and Chill — No Frills, Just Flavor

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies is a go-to side that’s colorful, customizable, and super quick to throw together. It’s built on chilled pasta, raw crunchy vegetables, and a light vinaigrette that ties everything together.

Ideal for make-ahead meals and warm-weather menus.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, shells, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup shredded carrots or matchstick carrots
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2–3 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of sugar or honey for balance

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled. Shake off excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or shake in a jar.

Step 3: Toss It Together

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped veggies and herbs. Pour vinaigrette over the top and toss to coat.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Toss again before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Optional Add-Ins

• Crumbled feta or cubed cheddar
• Chickpeas or white beans for protein
• Sliced olives, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes
• A handful of arugula or spinach stirred in just before serving

Serving Ideas

• Pack in lunchboxes or mason jars
• Serve with grilled protein or sandwiches
• Double it for cookouts or gatherings
• Great as a base for leftovers or roasted veggies

Pro Tips

• Rinse pasta well to cool and remove excess starch
• Cut vegetables small for fork-friendly bites
• Add dressing in two rounds — once to chill, again before serving
• Make extra vinaigrette for leftovers — pasta absorbs as it sits

Final Thoughts

Easy Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies is light, refreshing, and versatile — a solid staple for any table that comes together fast and disappears just as quickly.

Boil it. Chill it. Crunch it. 🥒❄️🍝