Best Pasta Salad

Name: Best Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (2 ears of corn, cooked); 3 cups bell peppers (use a rainbow assortment, cored, stem removed, and diced); 2 cups English cucumber (quartered and sliced); 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped); 1 cup green onions (chopped); 1 1/2 cups cubed mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; 1 1/2 cups Genova salami (quartered); 1 lb pasta shells (or pasta of your choice); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

March 19, 2025

Updated:

March 19, 2025

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The Best Pasta Salad Recipe Ever combines all the vibrant flavors of summer into one beautiful bowl. It’s that dish that’s perfect for gathering with friends, serving at parties, or simply enjoying as a quick weeknight meal. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it also showcases fresh ingredients that make each bite a celebration of color and crunch. Who doesn’t love a pasta salad that’s not only good for you but also pleasing to the eyes? You’ll become known as the go-to person for the Best Pasta Salad Recipe Ever at your next picnic or potluck! Let’s jump right into how to make this amazing dish, so you can impress everyone at your next gathering.

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Why This Recipe Works

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

One reason this recipe stands out is the choice of fresh vegetables and herbs. You’ll love how the combination of cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro refreshes your palate. Every bite bursts with flavor, reminding you of sunny days and backyard barbecues. The freshness adds a delightful crunch that makes this recipe irresistible.

Perfectly Balanced Vinaigrette

Equally important is the homemade vinaigrette. This tangy and savory dressing—made from high-quality extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice—brings all the ingredients together. With just the right balance of acidity and richness, it elevates this dish far beyond your typical pasta salad.

Why You’ll Love This Best Pasta Salad Recipe Ever

A Colorful Feast

Not only does this pasta salad taste phenomenal, but it also brings a splash of color to your table. The bright hues of bell peppers, and fresh corn create an inviting dish that no one can resist. Each ingredient adds its own pop of color, making it the centerpiece of your table.

Versatile and Customizable

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can swap in and out ingredients based on what you prefer or what you have on hand. This versatility ensures it’s a fantastic option for any occasion, from picnics to family dinners. Just mix and match to your heart’s content!

Ingredients

1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups fresh corn kernels (2 ears of corn, cooked)
3 cups bell peppers (use a rainbow assortment, cored, stem removed, and diced)
2 cups English cucumber (quartered and sliced)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (coarsely chopped)
1 cup green onions (chopped)
1 1/2 cups cubed mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1 1/2 cups Genova salami (quartered)
1 lb pasta shells (or pasta of your choice)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon white granulated sugar

How to Make the Best Pasta Salad Ever

Prepare the Cumin Vinaigrette

Start by making the delicious cumin vinaigrette. Get a mason jar and combine the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, dried parsley, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and sugar. Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously until everything blends beautifully. Refrigerate this dressing for a while—it allows the flavors to meld perfectly!

Cook the Pasta

Next, prepare the pasta. Fill a large pot with water, seasoning it with 2-3 teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil on high heat. Cook the pasta shells or your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until they are al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set it aside to cool.

Chop the Vegetables

While your pasta is cooling down, chop up all your fresh vegetables. Take those vibrant cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, and fresh cilantro, along with the sweet corn and green onions. Place everything in a large mixing bowl for easy combining later.

Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooled pasta and cubed cheese to the vegetable mix in the bowl. Pour that chilled cumin vinaigrette over the top, and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated evenly with the vinagrette, so every bite is filled with flavor.

Refrigerate the Salad

Once you’ve tossed everything together, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. It’s important to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to intermingle beautifully. If you’re planning ahead, you can make this pasta salad a day or two in advance. Just ensure you keep it chilled until it’s time to serve!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines as a standalone dish or pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken or steak. You could also serve it alongside a fresh bread roll or drizzled over greens for a light, satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor profile.
Make sure not to skip the refrigeration step—it really boosts the overall taste!
Feel free to be creative and add or substitute ingredients according to personal preferences or seasonal veggies available.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some easy variations:
– Replace the salami with cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier option.
– Toss in some olives or artichoke hearts if you’re craving a Mediterranean touch.
– Try different pasta shapes like rotini or penne for added fun and texture!

Storage Tips

Want to keep leftovers? Store any uneaten pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three days, and you might even find that the flavors deepen and become even more delicious over time!

Pairing Ideas

Enhance your meal by pairing the best pasta salad ever with a refreshing light Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the salad’s fresh flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
A1: Yes! It can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Can I use other types of cheese?
A2: Definitely! Feel free to replace mozzarella with feta or even sharp cheddar.

Q3: What pasta shape works best?
A3: You can use any pasta shape, but shells or rotini are great choices because they hold dressing well.

Q4: How do I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
A4: Simply omit the salami and add more fresh veggies or beans for a protein boost.

Q5: Can I freeze this pasta salad?
A5: It’s best enjoyed fresh. However, if you choose to freeze, skip the dressing and cheese before storing.

With the Best Pasta Salad Recipe Ever at your fingertips, you’ll create an enjoyable dish that combines fresh, vibrant ingredients and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. This delightful salad is perfect for any occasion and adapts wonderfully. So gather your ingredients, mix with love, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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Best Pasta Salad