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Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

This Simple Pasta Salad is simple and so flavourful! Made with a tangy, garlicky vinaigrette, oodles of noodles, fresh veggies and cheese.
2 hours 20 minutes
8 servings

If you’re looking for a simple and classic pasta salad, this is it! Made with simple and versatile ingredients, this salad is a perfect summer side dish (or really any time of year!).

simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

Pasta Salads are so versatile.

They really are! This pasta salad has a simple tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with so many things: any fresh vegetables, noodles, cheeses and even deli meat or cooked chicken added in. You just can’t go wrong with a versatile recipe like this one. I’ve given you some ideas for what to add to this salad, but feel free to make it your own with your favourite additions.

simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

Simple Pasta Salad Recipe Tips

  • NOODLES: Fusilli pasta or rotini pasta works well for this simple pasta salad but you can use any pasta shape that you like.
  • CHEESE: I used small cubes of marble cheddar cheese for this salad, but feel free to use cubes of your favourite cheese. Other options that are delicious are fresh mozzarella, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and provolone.
  • OLIVES: This recipe calls for whole black pitted olives but you can also use kalamata olives. Or leave them out if you don’t care for them.
  • ADDITIONS: Feel free to use the veggies I’ve listed below in the recipe card, or change them out for your favourites.
  • ALLOW RESTING TIME: This salad needs at least 2 hours for marinating and resting to allow all of the flavours to come together. It’s even better if you can let it sit for several hours.
  • MAKE AHEAD: You can make this salad the night before you wish to serve it. I think it’s even better after it has sat for a while. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
  • LEFTOVERS: This salad is great the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give the salad a good stir before each time you serve it.
simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

Meal Menu Ideas

Here are some tasty recipe ideas to serve with this simple pasta salad…easy, delicious summer barbecue ideas.

simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

A crowd pleaser!

This simple pasta salad is great for picnics, potlucks, barbecues and a summer cookout! It’s also a great side dish for simple weekend dinners alongside a roast chicken, or served up as a light lunch.

simple pasta salad in a wooden serving bowl

Simple Pasta Salad Recipe

This Simple Pasta Salad is simple and so flavourful! Made with a tangy, garlicky vinaigrette, oodles of noodles, fresh veggies and cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings8 servings

Ingredients
  

Salad Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta Salad:

  • 1 – 8 oz package dried pasta
  • 1 – 14 oz can pitted whole black olives
  • 1 cup cubed cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar)
  • 1 bell pepper (red peppers, yellow peppers or orange bell peppers)
  • 1 medium cucumber, cubed or slices
  • 1 cup cut cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
  • 1/2 cup green peas (frozen)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli

Instructions
 

  • Combine the dressing ingredients, and mix well. Set aside..
    1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/3 cup white vinegar, 2 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1/2 cup chopped green onions, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Cook pasta according to the package directions. When the noodles are cooked, drain, then rinse with cold water, making sure to drain well again. Place into a large serving bowl and set aside.
    1 – 8 oz package dried pasta
  • Prepare the remaining ingredients.
    1 – 14 oz can pitted whole black olives, 1 cup cubed cheese, 1 bell pepper 1 medium cucumber, cubed or slices 1 cup cut cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup green peas (frozen), 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli
  • Add the dressing to the cooked pasta and toss.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
  • Make sure to stir the salad well before serving as the dressing tends to go to the bottom of the bowl.
Keyword classic pasta salad, cold pasta salad recipe, pasta salad, simple pasta salad
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I hope you love this easy pasta salad recipe! From Our Tasty Kitchen, to yours.

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