Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

An easy pasta salad is a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. It comes together in minutes, offers plenty of room for customization, and delivers bold, refreshing flavors with every bite. The medley of crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and tender pasta creates a satisfying and colorful dish that’s sure to disappear fast at your next gathering.

Why This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Shines

What sets this pasta salad apart is its clever blend of fresh, crunchy veggies and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that brightens the whole bowl. Unlike heavier, mayo-laden versions, this recipe is light, vibrant, and tastes just as delicious chilled as it does at room temperature. You can easily double the batch for parties or prep ahead to enjoy nutritious lunches all week long.

Chopping, Mixing, and Preparing Like a Pro

The key to a perfect pasta salad is uniform, bite-sized pieces that allow every forkful to capture a bit of everything. To speed up the slicing and dicing—especially if you’re prepping for a crowd—reach for the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. It’s a time-saver that gives your salad a professional touch, ensuring crisp, evenly cut veggies every time.

Boil your favorite pasta shape and let it cool. For even cooling and easy mixing, spread the cooked pasta on Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll before transferring to your bowl, preventing sticking and clumping.

Assembling Your Easy Pasta Salad

Toss the cooled pasta with your prepped vegetables, then add the vinaigrette. A large airtight salad bowl such as the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl helps keep your pasta salad fresh whether you’re storing it in the fridge or toting it to a barbecue.

If your recipe includes herbs or a creamy dressing, blending them with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender ensures smooth, even results in seconds.

Crowd-Worthy Serving Suggestions

Serve your pasta salad on a chilled platter, garnished with extra herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. If you’re entertaining outdoors, protect your table with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack for easy cleanup, no matter how big the gathering.

Pair your salad with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or simply enjoy as a filling vegetarian main. It’s a winning choice for every season.

Nutrition and Yield

This recipe yields 6 hearty servings or more as a side. Depending on your chosen add-ins, it clocks in at about 250–350 calories per serving. It’s a wholesome, balanced option you can feel good about serving to family and friends.

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe (Recap)

Easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and endlessly adaptable—this pasta salad is bound to become your go-to for every occasion.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then lay it out to cool on Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy mixing and to prevent sticking.
2. While the pasta cools, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to dice cucumbers, peppers, and onions for uniform pieces.
3. In a large mixing or Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped veggies, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
4. In a small bowl or with a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, blend olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss to coat evenly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
6. Serve directly from your Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl for picnics or transfer to a serving platter.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy the bright, crisp flavors and simplicity of this easy pasta salad recipe—it’s sure to become a standby in your kitchen repertoire!