Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

1 about 10
This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried pasta like fusilli

    penne, rotini or farfalle, bow tie

  • 1 cup sliced bell pepper

    1 medium

  • 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini

    1/2 medium

  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions

    5 to 6

  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers

    optional

  • 1 cup halved mixed olives

    4 ounces

  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese or hard cheese

    2 ounces

  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls

    chopped, 6 ounces

  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil

    optional

  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

    white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar

    optional

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.

  3. 3

    Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.

Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

20 min1 about 10

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About this Recipe

Searching for a vibrant, effortlessly delicious side dish or light meal that comes together in a flash? This Quick and Easy Pasta Salad is your answer, bringing together fresh flavors and satisfying textures in every forkful.

What sets this pasta salad apart is its brilliant flexibility and thoughtful ingredient choices. We build on a foundation of hearty pasta shapes like rotini or penne, ensuring every noodle captures the simple, bright dressing. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the blend of fresh vegetables, briny olives, and a rich mix of parmesan and fresh mozzarella, designed to melt subtly into the dressing.

Prepare for a truly satisfying pasta salad experience that balances freshness with a comforting richness. You'll find tender pasta coated in a zesty, savory dressing, complemented by the crisp bite of bell peppers and zucchini, the burst of cherry tomatoes, and the subtle warmth of scallions. The mix of grated parmesan and fresh mozzarella balls adds layers of creamy, salty goodness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It’s a dish that feels both robust and refreshing, perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight.

One of the best features of this Quick and Easy Pasta Salad is its adaptability. Feel free to swap bell pepper colors or use different types of olives. If you love a bit of a kick, adjust the amount of pepperoncini or banana peppers. For a different herb profile, fresh basil can be used instead of parsley. You can also experiment with other hard cheeses in place of parmesan.

This versatile pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a vibrant addition to your family dinner table. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or as a stand-alone light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions