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Best Pasta Salad

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This pasta salad brings together fresh, colorful ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  • Prepare the cumin vinaigrette by shaking ingredients in a jar and refrigerating.
  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then cool and toss with olive oil.
  • Chop vegetables and mix in a large bowl.
  • Combine cooled pasta and cheese with the vegetable mixture and toss with the vinaigrette.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.
Make the salad a day ahead and chill to enhance taste.
Feel free to customize with different ingredients based on availability.

  • Author: jesseca
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg