If you’re searching for a go-to summer side, look no further than The Best Pasta Salad. With bursts of color from fresh veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and satisfying bites of cheddar, this salad is destined to shine at your next cookout, barbecue, or even weekday lunch. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and it’s just as great made ahead as it is right off the mixing spoon. If you love a dish that looks as good as it tastes, you’re about to fall head over heels for this crowd-pleaser!

The Best Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes The Best Pasta Salad truly live up to its name. Each ingredient plays a special role, bringing freshness, crunch, and vibrant flavor with every forkful. These simple items combine to create a medley that’s as gorgeous on the table as it is delicious.

Rotini or bowtie pasta (12 ounces): These whimsical shapes hold onto dressing and veggies in every bite, giving perfect texture.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): Juicy, sweet pops of flavor add color and freshness.
Cucumber, diced (1 cup): Cool, crisp bites that keep the salad light and refreshing.
Red bell pepper, diced (1/2 cup): Sweet, crunchy and a burst of gorgeous red color.
Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Bring natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue—not to mention a little crunch!
Black olives, sliced (1/2 cup): Savory, briny bites that round out all the flavors.
Cheddar cheese, cubed (1/2 cup): Creamy, sharp, and satisfying in every forkful.
Red onion, finely diced (1/4 cup): Adds zing and a mild bite without overpowering everything else.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Brightens the whole salad with fresh herb flavor and even more green.
Italian dressing (1/2 cup): Zesty and classic, it ties everything together for The Best Pasta Salad flavor.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess that clings beautifully to noodles and veggies alike.
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Sharpens the dressing and makes every ingredient pop!
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.

How to Make The Best Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente texture—just tender, but still firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water so the noodles stop cooking and cool off completely. This will also ensure your salad stays vibrant and doesn’t turn mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy-Tangy Dressing

While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar until the mixture is silky smooth. This combo gives you a perfectly balanced coating for every component of The Best Pasta Salad. Don’t skip the mayo—it adds just enough richness to balance the zesty dressing.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Cheese

Get your chopping board ready and prep those veggies! Slice the cherry tomatoes, dice up the cucumber and red bell pepper, shred or julienne your carrots, and finely dice the red onion. Cube your cheddar cheese for little pockets of creamy flavor. If you want to save time, you can cut everything while the pasta water heats up.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta to your bowl of dressing, followed by all the veggies, olives, cheese, and the chopped parsley. Using two big spoons, toss everything together until every noodle and vegetable glistens and is coated with the flavorful dressing. This is when the salad really comes to life, bursting with color and flavor in every mix.

Step 5: Season and Chill

Finally, sprinkle on salt and black pepper to taste, making sure every flavor sings. Cover the bowl and let your salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—trust me, this lets everything mingle and takes The Best Pasta Salad from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve The Best Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving brightens everything up, while a few extra cherry tomato halves on top add juicy curb appeal. A final drizzle of good olive oil or freshly ground black pepper will make your bowl look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

The Best Pasta Salad plays beautifully with almost any summer entrée—from juicy grilled chicken and burgers to hearty veggie skewers. Serve it alongside roasted salmon or tuck it next to a fresh green salad for a light and breezy meal. There’s no wrong pairing here, and it always steals the show at potlucks and picnics.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your salad into individual mason jars for grab-and-go lunches, or heap it onto a big platter lined with lettuce leaves for extra color. If you’re hosting a party, set out fun toppings like toasted nuts, feta, or roasted peppers for guests to customize their own ultimate version of The Best Pasta Salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is made for make-ahead moments! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, making it ideal for meal prep and easy lunches.

Freezing

While The Best Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended. The vegetables and pasta tend to change texture and lose their vibrant appeal after thawing, which can compromise the dish’s signature zing and crunch.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—this salad shines served cold or at room temperature! If the dressing thickens in the fridge, just toss in a splash of extra Italian dressing or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen things up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While rotini and bowtie pasta are classics for The Best Pasta Salad, feel free to swap in penne, fusilli, or even tortellini. Just aim for shapes that hold onto the dressing and chopped veggies best.

What protein can I add to make it a main dish?

You can easily boost the staying power by stirring in diced grilled chicken, turkey, or chickpeas. For a deli-inspired twist, add diced salami or pepperoni—these will blend nicely with the other robust flavors in the salad.

Is there a good vegan version?

Definitely! Omit the cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, then use your favorite vegan cheese cubes and vegan mayo alternative. The rest of The Best Pasta Salad ingredients are plant-based and shine just as brightly in a vegan version.

How do I avoid soggy pasta salad?

The secret is rinsing the pasta under cold water right after draining—this stops the cooking process completely. Also, allow the salad to chill just long enough for flavors to meld but not so long that veggies start to lose their crunch.

Can I make it the night before?

Yes, in fact, making The Best Pasta Salad the night before is a pro move! Just wait to add fresh herbs and any extra dressing until right before serving to keep everything bright and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Making The Best Pasta Salad is about more than just tossing a few ingredients together—it’s an act of summer joy! I hope you share it with friends, family, and anyone who could use a little color and flavor on their plate. Go ahead and try it: I promise this salad will become an absolute staple in your recipe repertoire.

The Best Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Pasta Salad recipe is a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side for any meal. Packed with veggies, cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad:

12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup cubed cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Dressing:

1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then cool under cold water.
Prepare Dressing: Whisk together Italian dressing, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, carrots, olives, cheese, onion, and parsley in a bowl.
Toss with Dressing: Coat everything in the dressing, season with salt and pepper.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.