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Easy classic pasta salad with fresh vegetables in a bowl.

Pasta Salad

A breezy, colorful side that brightens any picnic or weeknight dinner with creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tender pasta.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Produce
  • 1 lb rotini or farfalle pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional) optional ingredient
Cheese & Extras
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or cubed mozzarella (optional) optional ingredient
  • 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional) optional ingredient
Dressing
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Spices & Herbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool quickly. Drain thoroughly.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust acidity or salt.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and cheese (if using).
  4. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Fold in chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. Cover and chill at least 1 hour — overnight is best for flavor.
  6. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Use well-salted water when cooking pasta to season it from the inside. Chill at least 1 hour so the flavors meld; overnight is even better. For a lighter twist, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.