Summer Pasta Salad – Flavorful and Quick for Picnics
Bright, colorful Summer Pasta Salad that's quick to make and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light weeknight meal. Customize with your favorite veggies and a tangy vinaigrette.
Nothing says summer like a bright and colorful Summer Pasta Salad that’s packed with flavor. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even a quick weeknight dinner. It’s not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients based on your preference!
Summer Pasta Salad
- Quick to prepare – ready in 20 minutes!
- Versatile – customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
- Great for meal prep or as a side dish at summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make
To prepare this Summer Pasta Salad, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, and feta cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Finally, garnish with fresh basil before serving!
Tips
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Swap out the feta cheese for mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative.
- Customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or to your liking.
Make-Ahead
This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, which makes it an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for the best flavor.
Storing
To store your pasta salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Ensure that it’s well covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
We do not recommend freezing this salad due to the fresh vegetables and feta cheese, which do not thaw well.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this Summer Pasta Salad alongside grilled meats, as a side at your potluck, or as a quick lunch option throughout the week. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine on a warm summer evening.
If you’re looking for the perfect kitchen tool to help with preparing your ingredients, check out this salad spinner to make washing and drying your greens quick and easy!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne preferred)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine vegetables and cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, corn, and feta cheese.
Make dressing
In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Dress and garnish
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Swap feta cheese for mozzarella or a dairy-free alternative.
- Customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or to your liking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The salad can be made a few hours ahead; store the components separately if possible and dress just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or other protein options would pair well with this pasta salad.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables are best for texture, but you can use frozen corn. If using other frozen veggies, thaw and pat dry before mixing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free?
The salad is vegetarian. It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
