Name: Easy Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli); 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

I make this Easy Pasta Salad when I want something fresh, simple, and dependable. It’s one of those recipes I return to again and again because it works for quick lunches, gatherings, or as an easy side dish with almost any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly flexible and comes together with very little effort. I like that I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand and adjust the flavors to match my mood. I also enjoy how it tastes even better after it sits for a while, making it perfect for prepping ahead.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta
cherry tomatoes
cucumber
bell pepper
red onion
black olives
olive oil
red wine vinegar or lemon juice
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in well-salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. I transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl. I chop all the vegetables and add them to the pasta.

In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss everything until well coated. I taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before chilling or serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. I usually spend around 15 minutes on preparation and another 10 minutes cooking the pasta. I like that it’s ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes add mozzarella cubes or feta cheese for extra richness. When I want more protein, I mix in grilled chicken or chickpeas. I’ve also added fresh herbs like basil or parsley, which really brighten the flavor.

storage/reheating

I store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I don’t reheat it, but I do give it a good stir before serving and sometimes add a small splash of olive oil to refresh it.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

I usually use short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli because they hold the dressing well.

Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?

I often make it a day in advance since the flavors improve as it rests.

How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?

I add a little extra dressing or olive oil before serving if it looks dry.

Can I make this gluten free?

I can easily make it gluten free by using gluten-free pasta.

Is this pasta salad served cold or at room temperature?

I like it best chilled, but I’ve also served it at room temperature with great results.

Conclusion

I keep this Easy Pasta Salad in my recipe collection because it’s quick, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I like how it turns simple ingredients into a fresh, satisfying dish that works for so many occasions.