Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Simple

The aroma of a freshly cooked pasta salad wafts through the air, teasing your senses and tantalizing your taste buds. The combination of tangy vinaigrette, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Whether you’re a busy home cook or a seasoned chef, this easy pasta salad recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect solution for a quick and healthy dinner, and it’s also a great option for potlucks and summer gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Why This Recipe Works

• Using a combination of short and long pasta shapes adds texture and visual interest to the salad.
• The vinaigrette is made with a simple mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs, allowing the flavors of the individual ingredients to shine through.
• The addition of cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds natural sweetness and crunch to the salad.

Key Ingredients

The key to making a great pasta salad is to use high-quality ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need a combination of short and long pasta shapes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette. Be sure to choose a good-quality olive oil and a flavorful vinegar, such as balsamic or red wine vinegar. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or olives.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Simple

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, sliced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Directions

1

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

3

Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl. Toss to combine.

4

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5

Serve chilled, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, refrigerate the pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.