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    Easy Pasta Salad

    Published: Mar 26, 2019 · Modified: Jan 4, 2025 · by Renana · I may get commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Home » Recipes » Salads » Easy Pasta Salad

    Elevate your dining experience with this effortless yet irresistible easy pasta salad recipe, a symphony of flavors and textures that captures the essence of simplicity and indulgence. Embrace the joy of creating and savor every forkful of this salad, an ode to simplicity that packs a punch of deliciousness.

    pasta salad in a bowl

    Vegan pasta salad

    Every year, when Purim is over and Passover is right around the corner you come up with new ideas and creative recipes to finish the chametz before clearing your kitchen and making it kosher for Passover.

    If you have a lot of pasta hanging around, I have the perfect solution. Whip up a pasta salad for the spring season, it’s light, colorful and refreshing - what more could you ask for? Don't worry you can have this pasta salad anytime.
    This versatile pasta salad is a culinary chameleon, effortlessly adapting to the changing seasons with a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Whether it's the vibrant hues of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers echoing the freshness of spring, the crisp cucumbers evoking the coolness of summer, or the warm and comforting embrace of walnuts reminiscent of autumn, this dish is a celebration of all seasons. Perfectly suited for picnics, barbecues, or cozy indoor gatherings, this salad is a timeless delight that captures the essence of every season in every delicious bite.

    Pasta salad dressing

    I like to keep my salad dressing very simple, nothing but olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The salad is vegan and parve so it fits all types of meals. If you want to upgrade it to a dairy meal, you can add baby mozzarella balls or crumble feta cheese to the salad.

    The salad flavors are very Mediterranean and the salad is very filling, because of the pasta obviously. It’s great as a stand alone meal that tastes oh so good.

    pasta salad ingredients

    Creating a delicious and easy pasta salad can be a breeze with a few helpful tips:

    Choose the Right Pasta

    Opt for short pasta shapes like bowtie, fusilli, rotini, or penne. They hold the dressing and other ingredients well.

    Cook Pasta Al Dente

    Cook the pasta just until it's al dente to maintain a satisfying texture in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.

    Cool Pasta Properly

    After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over it to prevent sticking.

    Diverse Vegetables

    Add a variety of colorful vegetables for both flavor and visual appeal. The mix of textures enhances the overall eating experience.

    Fresh Herbs

    Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. Herbs add brightness and elevate the dish.

    Homemade Dressing

    Create a simple yet flavorful dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can customize it by adding Dijon mustard, minced garlic, or balsamic vinegar.

    Prepare in Advance

    Pasta salad often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing the pasta to absorb the dressing and flavors.

    Serve at the Right Temperature

    For the best taste, serve the salad slightly chilled. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

    Adjust Seasoning Before Serving

    Taste the salad just before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon can make a significant difference.

    mediterranean pasta salad recipe

    FAQS

    Can I use any type of pasta for pasta salad?

    Yes, you can, but it's recommended to choose short pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, penne, or bowtie. They hold the dressing and other ingredients well.

    How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

    After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over it and toss to prevent sticking.

    Can I make pasta salad in advance?

    Yes, pasta salad often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld. Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance, allowing the pasta to absorb the dressing and flavors.

    How do I store leftover pasta salad?

    Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it seems dry after refrigeration, you can add a bit more dressing or a splash of olive oil before serving.

    What vegetables work well in pasta salad?

    Colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, and olives work well. You can also add other favorites like broccoli, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.

    Can I customize the dressing?

    Absolutely! The dressing is versatile. You can add Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, or silan (date syrup) to customize it to your taste.

    Can I make pasta salad gluten-free?

    Yes, there are gluten-free pasta options available. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture in the salad.

    Other salad recipes to try:

    • Jewish Thanksgiving
    • Israeli Salad in a bowl
      Israeli Salad
    • Corn Salad in a bowl
      Summer Corn Salad (with mayo)
    • Green Pear Salad in a serving dish
      Pear Feta Salad

    For more recipes with pasta check out my pasta recipe index. If you already started cleaning for Passover and are looking for kosher for Passover recipes, previously I shared Passover rolls recipe and I have many more yummy recipes on my Passover recipe index, you should check them out!

    easy pasta salad

    Make this easy pasta salad today!

    With simple instructions and a burst of seasonal goodness, this pasta salad is not just a feast for the senses but a celebration of the delightful flavors of spring. So, grab your ingredients, toss them together, and welcome the season with a plateful of happiness. Dig in and embrace the refreshing essence of spring with every bite!

    pasta salad in a bowl

    Easy Pasta Salad

    Light, colorful, vegan and refreshing pasta salad for spring or summer season.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • Pound of pasta (500 grams) cooked and cooled
    • ½ cup Pitted black olives
    • 2 Small cucumbers
    • 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
    • 2 Yellow / orange pepper
    • ½ cup Walnuts

    Dressing:

    • 4 tablespoon Olive oil
    • Juice of half a lemon
    • Salt and pepper by your taste

    Instructions
     

    • Cut all of the vegetables into bite sized pieces.
    • In a serving bowl, mix all dressing ingredients.
    • Add the cut vegetables and pasta.
    • Mix well.
    • Dig in and happy spring!
    Keyword best pasta salad recipe, cold pasta salad, easy pasta salad, mediterranean pasta salad, mediterranean pasta salad recipe, pasta salad, pasta salad dressing, pasta salad recipe, quick pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad, veggie pasta salad
    quick pasta salad

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    Filed Under: Dinner, Hanukah, Holidays, Purim, Rosh HaShanah, Salads, Shavuot, Sukkot, Tu BiShvat, Vegan Tagged With: Pasta

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    Renana Spiegel Levkovich

    Hello!

    I'm Renana and I share kosher recipes for Shabbat, yummy parve desserts, and Jewish holiday recipes - and so much more. I share easy kosher recipes for the whole family, along with some pretty great photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Enjoy!

    Contact me for any question →


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