This easy pasta salad is light and colorful, packed with fresh veggies and a tasty dressing. It’s a perfect side for BBQs or a quick lunch!
I love how it takes just minutes to whip up. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those veggies in the fridge! Don’t forget to sprinkle some cheese on top for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great as it holds onto the dressing well. If rotini isn’t available, you could use farfalle, penne, or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a good option if you need it.
Chickpeas: These add heartiness and protein. If you’re looking for a different flavor, white beans or kidney beans would work well too.
Cheese: I love small mozzarella cubes for their creaminess. However, feta offers a tangy twist if you want something bolder. You could skip cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
Olives: Kalamata olives bring a briny flavor. Barletta or green olives could be fun substitutes, depending on your taste.
Veggies: Feel free to use any fresh produce you have on hand. Diced cucumber or roasted red peppers fit great if you want to mix it up!
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for Salad?
Cooking pasta for salad requires a few key steps to ensure it’s just right. You want the pasta to be al dente; this means it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite.
- Start with plenty of salted boiling water. This enhances the pasta’s flavor as it cooks.
- Once you drain it, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
- Allow the pasta to cool fully before adding any other ingredients. This prevents them from wilting.
Properly cooking and cooling the pasta make a huge difference in the overall dish, ensuring every bite is tasty!
How to Make Easy and Fresh Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small mozzarella cubes (or cubed feta cheese)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup mini sweet peppers, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion or shallot
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of chilling time. It’s super quick to make, and with a little patience while it chills, you’ll have a fresh and delicious salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Once done, drain it and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down. Set it aside.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a taste and add more seasoning if needed. This dressing will add tons of flavor to your salad!
3. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, mozzarella cubes, Kalamata olives, sliced mini sweet peppers, chopped spinach, and diced red onion. This mixture will make your salad vibrant and packed with nutrition!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Make sure to be gentle, so you don’t break the cheese or tomatoes!
5. Final Touches:
If you want, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top for some extra flavor and a nice presentation.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve it chilled or at room temperature. Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor, while gluten-free pasta options like quinoa or rice pasta can be used as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the best results!
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Dressing?
If you’re looking to amp up the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or dill, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or even a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a bit of tang. Adjust based on your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just give it a quick toss before serving!
What Are Some Good Add-Ins or Substitutions?
Feel free to customize your salad! You can add diced cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or some cooked and cooled chicken for protein. If you prefer different cheeses, go for feta or goat cheese. Just make it your own!
