Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

Say hello to your new summer staple: Classic Pasta Salad! It’s bold, zesty, and overflowing with color, texture, and irresistible flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or just craving a hearty lunch, this pasta salad delivers both nostalgia and a welcome punch of freshness in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Classic Pasta Salad is built on accessible, reliable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component adds a layer of flavor, crunch, or creaminess—making the end result irresistibly crave-worthy.

• Tri-color rotini pasta: Its spirals catch all the dressing and bits, plus you get a beautiful pop of color.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and lots of juicy freshness.
• Pepperoni: Adds bold, zesty savor and a hearty, meaty bite.
• Red onion: A touch of sharpness and crunch, perfectly balanced in every forkful.
• Green bell pepper: For snappy texture and a grassy-sweet flavor that brightens up the salad.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Cubed for creamy pockets in every serving.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a nutty finish—that “special something!”
• Sliced olives: Brings briny, salty contrast that wakes up each bite.
• Olive oil: The hearty, fruity backbone for the homemade vinaigrette.
• Red wine vinegar: Gives a lively tang that makes the flavors zing.
• Italian seasoning: That classic Italian blend to build herb-forward, Mediterranean flavor.
• Garlic powder: Savory and mellow aromatics without any fuss.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
• Red pepper flakes: For a gentle bit of heat you can dial up or down.

Variations

One of the best parts about Classic Pasta Salad is how versatile the recipe is. You can swap, add, or omit ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, what you’re craving, or if you need a vegetarian or gluten-free option—totally stress-free!

• Vegetarian Swap: Leave out the pepperoni and add artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or chickpeas for extra flavor and texture.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Trade the mozzarella for feta, toss in some cucumber and a handful of fresh dill, and use Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean spin.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free rotini or other sturdy pasta—just ensure it’s al dente to hold up under the dressing.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or mix in a few diced pepperoncini for extra tang and zip.

How to Make Classic Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook your tri-color rotini according to the package for a perfect al dente bite. Drain it thoroughly, then immediately rinse with cold water until the noodles are completely cool—this stops cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Chop and Prep the Veggies & Mix-ins

While the pasta chills, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the onion and bell pepper, cube your mozzarella, and slice up the olives. It’s much more inviting when every bite is perfectly sized and you get a little bit of everything.

Step 3: Whisk the Vinaigrette

Set the pasta aside, then whip up a punchy vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust for extra zing or heat if you love a bolder flavor!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a big serving bowl, add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, pepperoni, red onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss everything together until every bit is shining with delicious dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate your Classic Pasta Salad for at least an hour—the wait is absolutely rewarding as the flavors marry and the veggies mellow just a touch. If serving after several hours or from the fridge, let it stand at room temp for 20–30 minutes, then toss again to revive that irresistible shine.

How to Serve Classic Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Put the finishing touch on your Classic Pasta Salad with a scatter of fresh basil or parsley, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, or a quick grind of black pepper. If you love a touch of color and a burst of flavor, a few halved cherry tomatoes or sliced pepperoncini look stunning.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star at potlucks and cookouts, fitting right in alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or skewers. It’s also wonderful as a light lunch served with crusty bread, or as a fresh side to roasted vegetables for a well-rounded summer meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a real show-stopping spread, serve Classic Pasta Salad in a large, clear trifle bowl to showcase the vivid layers. Portion it into cute mason jars for picnic-ready lunches, or spoon onto crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, bite-sized appetizer at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Pasta Salad is such a treat—it keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For peak flavor and best texture, give it a gentle toss before serving and refresh with a little extra dressing if needed.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze pasta salad, the texture of both the pasta and fresh veggies does suffer after thawing, so it’s not generally recommended. For the best results, enjoy your Classic Pasta Salad within a few days of making.

Reheating

No need to reheat—Classic Pasta Salad is at its absolute peak served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge, let it warm up for 20-30 minutes, give it a toss, and you’re all set for that perfect bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that brings pure joy to any table, Classic Pasta Salad is the answer. It’s colorful, customizable, and endlessly shareable—a guaranteed hit wherever it goes. I hope you feel inspired to toss up a big batch soon. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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