This Easy Summer Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, fresh veggies, and a light dressing. It’s perfect for a hot day when you want something tasty and simple!
This salad brightens up any picnic or BBQ! I love how I can make it ahead of time and serve it cold. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those garden veggies! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds dressing well, but any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle works. If gluten-free is a must, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas add protein and texture. If you’re looking for a different legume, black beans or edamame are good substitutes!
Kalamata Olives: These olives offer a rich flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, use green olives. You can also skip them for a kid-friendly version.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its mildness. Feta adds a tangy kick, so feel free to switch based on your preference!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Dressing?
The dressing is simple yet essential for tying all the flavors together. Start by whisking the olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl or jar.
- Add the minced garlic and dried oregano, which infuse great flavor.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed!
Drizzling this dressing over the salad helps the ingredients blend beautifully, so don’t skip this step!
Easy Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta), cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mini sweet bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (or you can use feta)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion or shallot
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing summer salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 30 minutes in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can make ahead and enjoy with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well before moving on to the next step.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, chopped spinach, chickpeas, Kalamata olives, mozzarella (or feta), and chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix all the colorful veggies and pasta together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing is key to adding flavor to your pasta salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly. You want every ingredient to be coated in that tasty dressing!
5. Add Cheese and Parsley:
If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the salad along with chopped fresh parsley. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad another gentle toss and serve it cold as a delightful side dish or a light main course. Enjoy your colorful and refreshing summer pasta salad!
FAQ About Easy Summer Pasta Salad
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the regular rotini pasta with any gluten-free pasta variety. Just ensure to follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
How Can I Make This Pasta Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, or replace them with a plant-based cheese alternative. This salad is still delicious without cheese!
Can I Prepare This Salad the Day Before?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance! Just remember to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will have even more time to meld together. You might want to add a little extra dressing just before serving to refresh it!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This salad is very versatile! Feel free to add vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, or red bell pepper. You can also mix in some herbs like basil or dill for added flavor!
