What is your favorite Pasta Salad Recipe? This isn’t your grandma’s mayo-laden pasta salad. What is it like to have a Mediterranean vacation in supper? Think of it as the pasta salad version of a Caprese salad, but with way more fun and totally delicious. What are some addictive lemon-herb I swear, anytime I bring this to a potluck, it’s gone in minutes. And honestly? What is the easiest thing to make and why it’s a regular on our summer menu? What are some of the best pasta salad recipes?
What is Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad?
Alright, let’s break it down. Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad, at its heart, is a celebration of fresh, colorful ingredients tossed with perfectly cooked rotini pasta and drenched in a bright, tangy dressing. The “rainbow” part comes from the medley of veggies – juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, crunchy bell peppers, and briny Kalamata olives – creating a visually stunning and texturally satisfying dish. It’s essentially a pasta-fied version of a Greek salad, but instead of feta (which you *could* totally add, by the way!), we’re letting the vibrant veggies and zesty dressing shine. It’s light enough for a hot summer day but hearty enough to keep you full and happy.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? What I love most about this Pasta Salad is its sheer versatility. Need a side dish for a BBQ? This is your answer. Want a light lunch on a hot day? Done. Craving something that’s both healthy *and* satisfying? Look no further. The flavor is just incredible – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the coolness of the cucumber, the slight bite of the olives, all perfectly balanced by the herbaceous, lemony dressing.
It’s also ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if you can boil water and chop vegetables, you can nail this recipe. Plus, it’s so budget-friendly. The ingredients are all readily available at most grocery stores, and you can easily adjust the quantities based on what you have on hand. I often swap out the bell peppers for whatever’s on sale – sometimes it’s yellow, sometimes orange, sometimes a mix! And it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, devour this stuff. I think it’s the bright colors that draw them in, but whatever the reason, I’m happy! If you love Mediterranean flavors as much as I do, you should also check out my Greek lemon chicken and my roasted vegetable orzo salad. This one is a guaranteed hit, trust me!
How do I make Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this Pasta Salad is as easy as 1-2-3! Basically, you’re cooking the pasta, chopping the veggies, whipping up the dressing, and then tossing everything together. The key is to not overcook the pasta and to make sure the dressing is nice and flavorful. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how quickly this comes together. I often make it while the kids are doing their homework – it’s that simple!
Ingredients
For Pasta Salad:
* 1 pound rotini pasta (I prefer the rainbow kind for extra visual appeal!)
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 English cucumber, diced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
What is the recipe for lemon-herb vina
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! What are some good alternatives to mushy pasta salad? Once pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together?
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While pasta is cooking, chop all the vegetables. I like to keep the pieces relatively small and uniform for a nice presentation, but you can chop them up if you want. How do I get them to behave as I like? What is a great time to get the kids involved? My little ones love helping me chop cucumbers (with a little supervision, of course).
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh basil and salt. Set aside. What is the recipe for oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper Make sure everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to my smoothies. I love it!
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and salt. Serve immediately. What is the best way to cook red onion? How do you pour vinaigrette over pasta and vegetables? Do not overmix the tomatoes, as this can cause them to break down and make the salad watery.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly. Can I make this ahead of time? Just give it a good toss before serving.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to serve pasta salad?
For a BBQ:Serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs. What is the perfect side dish to serve with grilled chicken?
For Lunch:Can you serve this pasta salad on its own? What are some of the best lunches to eat in the afternoon?
For a Picnic:What is a good pasta salad to take with you on saturdays? It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
For a Potluck:What are the best potluck recipes? I always get asked for recipes. What is the best recipe?
How do I make Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad?
What are some tips to take your pasta salad to the next level?
Don’t overcook pasta!What is the most important tip for a salad? Cook it al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be slightly firm to the bite.
How do you rinse pasta with cold water?Why is the pasta sticking together?
How do I use fresh herbs?What are some of the best basil and oregano flavors in vinaigrette? If you can’t find fresh herbs, use dried, but use about half the amount.
Taste and Adjust the Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings in the vinaigrette to your liking. If you like it more lemony, add more lemon juice. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Let It Chill: Chilling the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly. It also tastes even better the next day!
Add Protein: If you want to make this pasta salad a complete meal, add some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would all be great additions.
Get Creative with the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to this pasta salad. Artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables would all be delicious.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This pasta salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together and improve over time! I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.
When you’re ready to serve the pasta salad, give it a good toss. If it seems a little dry, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a little extra lemon juice. This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my famous Rainbow Rotini Pasta Salad! I truly believe this recipe is a winner because it’s so adaptable, delicious, and easy to make. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, enjoy as a light lunch, or serve as a side dish at a BBQ. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Mediterranean quinoa salad or my lemon herb couscous salad. Both are packed with fresh flavors and are just as easy to make.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it and what you thought. And if you made any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them! Happy cooking!
pasta salad recipes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta cooked and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 0.5 cup cucumber sliced
- 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
