Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing: A Fresh and Zesty Classic You Can’t Miss!

Discover the ultimate homemade pasta salad that brings sunshine to your table – perfect for any season, and an absolute must-try!

If you’ve been looking for that one salad recipe that becomes your go-to for family gatherings, picnics, or just a fresh weeknight dinner, this Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is the one. It’s vibrant, loaded with textures, packed with flavor, and refreshingly simple. The best part? It’s homemade from start to finish – including the zesty dressing that makes it unforgettable!

This delightful pasta salad combines perfectly cooked rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a zesty, homemade dressing. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, preparing it for a lunchbox, or enjoying it as a light main dish, this salad shines every time.

Let’s dive into this homemade goodness!

Ingredients for the Perfect Pasta Salad

For the Salad:

• 1 (16-ounce) package rotini pasta
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Simple and Easy Directions

this RECIPE

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente – about 8 minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, get your vegetables ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper and red onion, slice the black olives, and chop the fresh parsley. Set them aside.

Step 3: Whisk the Homemade Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and emulsified.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 8 servings

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Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

There’s something timeless about pasta salads. They carry a certain nostalgia of summer picnics, family barbecues, and quick weekday dinners. This particular recipe elevates that familiar comfort by combining fresh, crisp vegetables with a bright, zesty dressing that you can whip up in minutes.

Fresh ingredients:
The medley of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell pepper offers crunch and juiciness in every forkful.

Homemade dressing:
Skip the store-bought bottles! This tangy dressing is homemade with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a blend of herbs – a real game-changer for flavor.

Versatile dish:
Serve it as a side, enjoy it as a main, or pack it for lunch. This salad is as versatile as it is delicious.

Family favorite:
Kids and adults alike love this easy, colorful dish. It’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your meals too!

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Secrets to the Best Pasta Salad

To make sure your pasta salad turns out perfect every time, here are a few chef-approved tips:

1. Salt the pasta water generously.
This is the only chance to season the pasta itself. It makes a big difference!

2. Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking.
Rinsing stops the cooking process and cools the pasta, which is essential for pasta salads.

3. Use high-quality olive oil.
Since the dressing is simple, good olive oil really enhances the overall flavor.

4. Let it rest.
Chilling the salad allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing, creating a harmonious taste.

5. Customize to your liking.
Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch. You can include grilled chicken for protein, use different kinds of pasta, or swap out veggies based on seasonality.

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Variations to Keep It Exciting

One of the joys of pasta salad is its flexibility. Once you master the base recipe, you can play with countless variations:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of arugula.
• Protein Boost: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chickpeas, or grilled shrimp.
• Vegan Friendly: Skip the Parmesan cheese and make sure your Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Use fun-shaped pasta and sweeter vegetables like corn and carrots.

The possibilities are endless, making this a recipe that will never feel repetitive!

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Storage Tips for Make-Ahead Convenience

This pasta salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Refresh Before Serving: If the salad feels a little dry after chilling, simply drizzle a bit of olive oil or an extra splash of vinegar before serving.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for pasta salad as the texture of the vegetables and pasta can become mushy.

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Pairing Ideas for the Perfect Meal

While this pasta salad can certainly stand alone, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey Skewers: Lightly seasoned and grilled, they complement the salad’s zesty flavors.
• Fresh Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing drink to complete your meal.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette: Add a satisfying crunch to your plate.
• Fruit Salad: Balance the savory notes with a sweet and juicy fruit medley.

With such versatile pairing options, this salad fits seamlessly into any meal plan!

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Health Benefits of a Homemade Pasta Salad

Choosing to make your pasta salad from scratch, especially with a homemade dressing, offers more than just great flavor:

• Control over ingredients: You decide the quality and quantity of every ingredient.
• Healthier oils: Using olive oil provides heart-healthy fats.
• Fresh vegetables: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
• No preservatives: Unlike store-bought dressings, homemade versions skip unnecessary additives.

This means you’re enjoying a delicious dish that aligns with healthier eating habits!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the rotini pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Make sure to cook it al dente and rinse it well.

What other pasta shapes work for this salad?
Rotini is great because it holds onto the dressing well, but fusilli, penne, or farfalle are excellent alternatives.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! You can make the dressing up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before using.

How do I make it spicier?
For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños.

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Final Thoughts: Bring Joy to Your Table with This Homemade Pasta Salad

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a dish completely from scratch. This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is not just a recipe – it’s an invitation to celebrate fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and moments around the table.

Whether it’s a sunny picnic, a cozy family dinner, or meal prep for the week, this salad brings color, flavor, and joy to every occasion. Simple to make, delightful to eat, and easy to share, it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

And remember: in the kitchen, your creativity is your secret ingredient. Feel free to play, experiment, and make this pasta salad truly your own!

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If you enjoyed this homemade recipe, you might just find your next favorite dish right here on our blog! Keep exploring for more delightful, easy, and heartwarming homemade meals to brighten your table.