basic cold pasta salad recipe

The Best basic cold pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this basic cold pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The best part is that it’s so easy to make and can be customized to your taste.

I like to use a variety of vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers, and add some cheese and nuts for extra flavor and texture. The key to this recipe is to use a good quality pasta that holds its shape well, such as bowtie or penne. I’ve tried using different types of pasta, but this one works the best for me.

This salad is great for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a weeknight meal. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor. One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can add or subtract ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

For example, if you don’t like cheese, you can omit it or substitute with a different type of cheese. If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add some Greek yogurt or sour cream. The possibilities are endless!

Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s incredibly healthy – the pasta provides complex carbohydrates, while the vegetables offer fiber and vitamins. You can also customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta or adding nuts for extra protein. This salad is also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking to potlucks – just make sure to keep it refrigerated until serving.

Basic Cold Pasta Salad

4.9 from 593 votes

A refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad perfect for a light meal or side dish. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad

1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
3This should take about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
Set aside.
5In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing.
8Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
9Add cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and parsley to the bowl.
10Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
11Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12This step is crucial for the best flavor.
13Serve chilled and enjoy your basic cold pasta salad.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

Tips: You can customize this pasta salad with your favorite vegetables or add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp.

This basic cold pasta salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight meal. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding or subtracting ingredients.

For example, if you prefer a creamier salad, you can add some Greek yogurt or sour cream. If you don’t like cheese, you can omit it or substitute with a different type of cheese.

The possibilities are endless! Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s incredibly healthy – the pasta provides complex carbohydrates while the vegetables offer fiber and vitamins.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Cold Pasta Salad

Q: Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

No, it’s best to use a high-quality pasta that holds its shape well, such as bowtie or penne.

Q: Can I add other ingredients besides vegetables?

Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as cooked meats, beans, or eggs.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator – just make sure to keep it refrigerated at all times.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly – just omit any animal-based ingredients such as cheese or eggs.

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