Easy Pasta Salad for Quick Lunch and Dinner Sides
A fresh Easy Pasta Salad made with tender pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a light herb vinaigrette perfect for quick meals and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, cheese, and olives if using.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients with dressing.
- Fold in parsley evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill before serving and stir again prior to serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If the salad becomes dry after chilling, add a small drizzle of olive oil or a splash of vinegar before serving to restore consistency.