Easy Pasta Salad for Any Occasion 🎉🍝 Quick to Make. Easy to Love. Built to Adapt.

Easy Pasta Salad is your no-fail, go-anywhere, flavor-packed dish that works with whatever’s in your fridge. Toss together cooked pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing — done in under 30 minutes and perfect chilled or at room temp.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, bowtie, or shells)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper or any color
• ½ cup shredded carrots or matchstick-cut
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cubed cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
• ¼ cup black olives or green olives, sliced
• 2–3 tbsp fresh parsley, dill, or basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simple Zesty Dressing

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp vinegar (red wine, apple cider, or white balsamic)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• 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 cool. Shake off excess water.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, seasoning, and optional sweetener. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Toss and Chill

In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta with veggies, cheese, olives, and herbs. Pour over the dressing and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

Step 4: Serve

Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Easy Add-Ins & Variations

• Add cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas for protein
• Use ranch or creamy Caesar for a rich version
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, or roasted red peppers for depth
• Swap cheese for vegan options or skip for dairy-free

Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or BBQ
• Pack in lunchboxes or jars for easy grab-and-go
• Pair with lemonade, iced tea, or a light white wine
• Make it the base for a DIY pasta salad bar with mix-ins

Pro Tips

• Don’t overdress — pasta absorbs flavor as it chills
• Rinse pasta well after cooking for the best texture
• Add delicate greens or herbs right before serving
• Double the dressing if you like it extra saucy

Final Thoughts

Easy Pasta Salad for Any Occasion is quick, colorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cleaning out the crisper drawer, this dish always delivers — no stress, no mess.

Boil. Toss. Chill. Serve Anywhere. 🎉🍝🥗