Delicious Pasta Salad

Learn how to make the best pasta salad recipe. This pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and delicious. The salad contains pasta, vegetables, cheese, salami, and other goodies. If you are looking for an easy salad recipe that is also super satisfying and delicious, this recipe is for you.

Learn how to make the best pasta salad recipe. This pasta salad is fresh, colorful, and delicious. The salad contains pa

🥗 Ingredients for Pasta Salad

pasta salad ingredients

• Pasta: Serves as the hearty base, providing a satisfying chew and substance to the salad.
• Baby cucumbers and bell pepper: These crisp vegetables add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color.
• Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they introduce a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Red onion: Adds a slight sharpness and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Mozzarella: Offers a creamy texture and mild taste that balances the stronger flavors.
• Salami: Introduces a salty, meaty element, making the salad more filling and flavorful.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a hint of earthiness.
• Vinegar and olive oil: The foundational components of the dressing, providing acidity and smoothness.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, mustard): These enhance the salad’s flavor, bringing warmth, spice, and complexity.

🔥 Tips to Make the Best Pasta Salad

• Choose the right pasta: Shapes like fusilli, rotini, or farfalle hold dressing well.
• Cook pasta properly: Boil to al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
• Season generously: Both in the pasta water and after draining.
• Use fresh vegetables: Adds crunch and color.
• Add a protein: Like chicken, salami, or chickpeas for a meal-worthy salad.
• Balance textures: Include nuts, soft cheese, and crisp veggies.
• Serve at the right temperature: Slightly chilled or at room temp brings out best flavor.

🍽️ What to Serve with Pasta Salad

Pairs well with:

• Grilled meats (chicken, steak, sausages)
• Seafood
• Sandwiches and wraps
• BBQ foods
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh bread
• Pizza
• Cheese platter

🧊 Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Make ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance.
• Cool pasta first: Ensures ingredients don't wilt and dressing sticks better.

📝 FAQs

• Should you let pasta cool? Yes, helps preserve freshness and texture.
• Rinse in cold or hot water? Cold—stops cooking and prevents sticking.
• What to add to pasta salad? Veggies, proteins, cheese, herbs, and more.
• Why better next day? Flavors meld beautifully after sitting.

pasta types

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🧑‍🍳 Work Time: 20 minutes

🥗 Cuisine: World

🍽️ Servings: 5 yields

🍝 Ingredients

For the salad:

• 300g Pasta, cooked
• 5-6 Baby cucumbers (or 2 regular cucumbers)
• 1 Bell pepper
• 150-200g Cherry tomatoes
• 1 Red onion
• 200g Mozzarella
• 60g Salami, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Vinegar
• ¼ cup (60ml) Olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1 clove Garlic, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Mustard

the best pasta salad

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil. Set aside.
2. Prepare vegetables: Chop cucumbers, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Add to bowl: Combine all chopped veggies, cooked pasta, cubed mozzarella, chopped salami, and parsley in a large bowl.
4. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients until combined.
5. Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. Serve and enjoy!