When it comes to potlucks, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings, classic pasta salad is always one of the first dishes to disappear. It’s colorful, packed with crisp vegetables, tossed with tender pasta, and coated in a zesty homemade Italian dressing. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead and tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator.
For me, pasta salad is the ultimate side dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. In just 25 minutes, you can prepare a bowl big enough to serve eight people—and maybe even have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Let’s take a closer look at why this recipe works so well and how you can make it perfectly every time.
Why Pasta Salad Is So Popular
Pasta salad has been a favorite at gatherings for decades. It’s:
- Easy to prepare
- Budget-friendly
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Served cold (no reheating needed)
- Customizable
Because it’s served chilled, it’s perfect for warm weather. And since it can be made ahead of time, it reduces stress when hosting.
Classic Pasta Salad
Potluck-friendly classic pasta salad loaded with crisp veggies, cheese, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 25 min
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 3/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rotini in well-salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to develop. Toss again before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 calories
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Protein: 10 g
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Facebook PinterestIngredients (Serves 8)
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup finely diced red onion
- 3/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 cup cubed mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Homemade Italian Dressing:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Each ingredient brings something special. The rotini pasta holds onto the dressing beautifully. Tomatoes add sweetness. Cucumber and bell pepper bring crunch. Olives provide a salty bite. Mozzarella and Parmesan add richness.
The homemade dressing ties everything together with tangy, herby flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Classic Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
I cook the rotini in well-salted water according to the package directions until al dente. After draining, I rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, I mix the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, black olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, I whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
I pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated.
Step 5: Chill
I cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to blend and deepen.
Before serving, I give it one more toss.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 24 grams
- Carbohydrates: 43 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
This pasta salad provides a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, making it a satisfying side dish.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water generously for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be firm, not mushy.
- Let it chill for at least an hour before serving.
- Add a splash of vinegar before serving if it needs brightness.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor.
Easy Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes:
- Add grilled chicken for a heartier main dish.
- Stir in salami or pepperoni for an Italian-style twist.
- Use feta instead of mozzarella for a tangier flavor.
- Add fresh basil for extra freshness.
Pasta salad is forgiving and flexible, which makes it perfect for experimenting.
Why Homemade Dressing Makes a Difference
Store-bought Italian dressing works in a pinch, but making your own allows you to control the flavor. The balance of olive oil and red wine vinegar gives brightness, while Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing so it coats the pasta evenly.
It only takes a minute to whisk together—but it elevates the entire dish.
Final Thoughts
Classic pasta salad is simple, colorful, and always crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of dish that works for nearly any occasion—from picnics to holiday gatherings.
With tender rotini, crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this recipe delivers reliable flavor in every bite.
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to impress, this classic pasta salad is a perfect choice.
