This easy pasta salad recipe is fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Loaded with crisp vegetables, herbs, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the perfect dish for picnics, meal prep, or light lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pasta salad is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. It’s colorful, nutritious, and highly customizable. The combination of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and fresh herbs makes it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh parsley, minced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until slightly past al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil, and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta, basil, parsley, mint, and pine nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or olive oil if needed.
This easy pasta salad recipe is best served fresh or slightly chilled.
Tips & Tricks
- Let pasta cool completely before mixing to avoid wilting greens
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein
- Swap feta with mozzarella or vegan cheese
- Toast pine nuts for deeper flavor
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Boiling / Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Add olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Store dressing separately for meal prep
- Add avocado just before serving
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
What pasta works best?
Fusilli, rotini, or penne hold dressing well.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, simply omit or replace the feta cheese.
How long does it last?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I add protein?
Yes, grilled chicken, tuna, or tofu are great options.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Reheat: Serve cold or at room temperature
Similar Recipes
Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1½ cups cooked chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh parsley minced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until slightly past al dente.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a little olive oil, and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta, basil, parsley, mint, and pine nuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
- Adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or olive oil if needed.
- This easy pasta salad recipe is best served fresh or slightly chilled.
Notes
- Add olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
- Store dressing separately for meal prep
- Add avocado just before serving
Conclusion
This easy pasta salad recipe is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.