Print

Best Fresh Summer Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Zesty Italian Dressing

fresh summer pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy homemade Italian dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (9 to 11 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion, and slice 1/2 cup of black olives. Tear 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. Shred or cube 1/2 cup of mozzarella or feta cheese. Set all aside in a prep bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Whisk vigorously or shake in a jar until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, basil, and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Before serving, toss gently again to redistribute the dressing.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Whisk dressing well to emulsify. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Salad tastes even better the next day. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For vegan, omit cheese or use plant-based cheese and replace honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, zesty Italian dressing, easy pasta salad, picnic recipes, potluck salad, fresh pasta salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/best-fresh-summer-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-zesty-italian-dressing/