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Pasta Salad Recipe

This easy, colorful, and foolproof pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, mozzarella pearls, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s a vibrant side dish everyone loves.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper red, yellow, or orange, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar optional, for balance
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional mix-ins: pepperoni slices chickpeas, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, or fresh basil.

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve the tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, chop the onion, and slice the olives. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Fold in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  7. Tip: If the salad seems dry after chilling, drizzle on a splash of olive oil and toss again before serving.