This Easy Summer Pasta Salad is full of fresh veggies and bright flavors. With colorful tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tasty olives, it’s a real treat for your taste buds!
I love how quick it is to whip up—just mix everything together, and you’re ready to go! Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just a sunny day at home. 🍅🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, but you can swap it for any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Halve red and yellow tomatoes for vibrant colors. If you can’t find them, use diced regular tomatoes. You could even include sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Mini Sweet Peppers: These add crunch and a sweet flavor. If they’re not available, feel free to use bell peppers or even cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are convenient, but if you want, you could substitute them with black beans or even kidney beans for added protein.
Kalamata Olives: If you’re not a fan, try green olives or capers for a slightly different flavor profile.
Fresh Spinach: You can replace spinach with arugula or kale. Both will provide a nice peppery taste; just remember to chop the kale finely!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Dressing?
Making the dressing is a simple but key step that adds flavor to your salad. Here’s how to do it effortlessly:
- Start with a small bowl and add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Make sure to mince your garlic finely so that it spreads flavor evenly.
- Whisk everything together until it is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to suit your taste!
Mixing the dressing separately ensures that the flavors blend together nicely and coat your pasta salad evenly, enhancing every bite!
Easy Summer Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow if possible)
- 1 cup mini sweet peppers, sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. Altogether, you’ll spend about 45 minutes getting this refreshing summer pasta salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain it in a sieve and rinse under cold water to cool down. Set it aside as you prepare the rest of the salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely combined into a smooth dressing.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, mini sweet peppers, drained chickpeas, halved Kalamata olives, chopped spinach, mozzarella cubes, and red onion. Gently mix everything together using a spatula or spoon.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything carefully to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly for maximum flavor.
5. Add Cheeses and Herbs:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top of the salad. Mix once more to distribute the cheeses and herbs throughout the salad.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Enjoy Your Salad!
After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir and serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal. Enjoy your delicious and colorful summer pasta salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber, and gluten-free pasta is a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure you follow the cooking instructions specific to the type of pasta you choose for the best texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just stir before serving as the ingredients may settle or separate.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with your salad by adding other vegetables like zucchini, cucumbers, or even artichokes. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add the cheese just before serving for a fresher taste. This dish is great for meal prep!
