Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

Classic Pasta Salad is the timeless dish that always brings a burst of color and flavor to any table. Every bite is a joyful mix of tender pasta, sharp cheeses, crisp veggies, and savory pepperoni, all lovingly tossed in a vibrant homemade vinaigrette. Whether you’re preparing it for a family picnic, potluck, or just craving a comforting bowl of freshness, this salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need anything fancy to make Classic Pasta Salad, but each ingredient is absolutely essential in building the flavors, textures, and rainbow-like appearance that makes this dish shine. Think of them as your colorful palette, all working together to deliver a salad that’s zesty, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying.

• Tri-color rotini pasta (24 ounces, uncooked): The spirals are perfect for catching every drop of dressing, and the colors make every scoop feel festive.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): They add juicy bursts of freshness and a touch of sweetness.
• Pepperoni (12 ounces, sliced): This brings a savory, slightly spicy kick that’s irresistible.
• Red onion (1, diced): For a crisp, sharp bite that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Green bell pepper (1, diced): It offers a satisfying crunch and a pop of color.
• Mozzarella cheese (16 ounces, cubed): The creamy, mild cubes melt in your mouth and pair beautifully with the tangy dressing.
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): It brings nuttiness and saltiness that ties everything together.
• Olives (8 ounces, sliced): For that Mediterranean flair and a bit of briny depth.
• Olive oil (1 ½ cups): The rich, smooth base of your homemade vinaigrette.
• Red wine vinegar (½ cup): Adds tang and brightness to cut through the richness.
• Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons): A medley of herbs that infuses the salad with classic Italian flavors.
• Garlic powder (2 teaspoons): To layer in warm, aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for bringing out all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
• Pepper (1 teaspoon): A touch of sharpness for balance.
• Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): For just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.

How to Make Classic Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-color rotini and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s delightfully al dente. Don’t be tempted to overcook — you want the pasta to have just a bit of bite, so it holds up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain immediately and give it a good rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down to room temperature. Place in a big salad bowl; this will be the base of your Classic Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins

While the pasta is cooling off, get your colorful veggies and other mix-ins ready. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice up the red onion and green bell pepper, cube the mozzarella cheese, and slice the olives if they aren’t pre-sliced. Measure out the pepperoni slices and grated parmesan. Once everything is chopped and prepped, add these ingredients right on top of your cooled pasta for a rainbow effect.

Step 3: Make the Zesty Vinaigrette

Grab a separate mixing bowl and pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until well blended — you’ll instantly notice the aroma come alive. This simple vinaigrette brings all the flavors in your Classic Pasta Salad together and adds that crave-worthy tang.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour your homemade vinaigrette over the bowl of pasta and colorful add-ins. Use a large spoon (or clean hands for that extra loving touch) to gently toss everything together until the dressing coats each piece. The parmesan will stick beautifully, and every noodle will glisten. At this stage, the salad already smells irresistible!

Step 5: Chill and Meld

Cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This resting time is magic — all those flavors fuse together, the vegetables crisp up, and the dressing really soaks in. When you’re almost ready to serve, let the salad rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then give it one last toss to redistribute the dressing. Now it’s ready to shine at your table.

How to Serve Classic Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan, a handful of torn fresh basil, or even a few more sliced olives on top brings the Classic Pasta Salad to the next level. These finishing touches add even more flavor and color, making the salad look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Classic Pasta Salad is incredibly adaptable and plays well with just about any main course. Pair it with grilled chicken, smoky barbecue, or simple roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. It also makes a fantastic addition to picnic spreads or as a hearty lunch on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, try serving Classic Pasta Salad in individual jars or cups for parties, or pile it onto a big white platter for a family-style feast. For a picnic, tuck it into colorful bowls and let everyone help themselves. However you serve it, people will be reaching for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Classic Pasta Salad into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days; in fact, the flavors continue to develop and taste even better as they mingle overnight. If things seem a bit dry the next day, just add a drizzle of olive oil and give it a gentle toss.

Freezing

While it’s technically safe to freeze Classic Pasta Salad, the texture does take a hit once thawed, especially the veggies and cheese. For best results and the brightest flavors, stick to making it fresh or refrigerating leftovers.

Reheating

Since Classic Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, let it rest on the counter for about 20 minutes before serving, and toss again to remix the dressing and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While tri-color rotini gives Classic Pasta Salad its signature look and texture, you can swap in any sturdy pasta like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just aim for shapes and sizes that hold plenty of dressing and mix-ins.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the pepperoni and load up on more veggies—think roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. You’ll still have a protein-packed, filling salad thanks to the mozzarella and parmesan.

What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?

No problem! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar both work as substitutes. They’ll bring a slightly different flavor but will keep your Classic Pasta Salad zippy and fresh.

Can I make Classic Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it’s even better when made a day in advance! The flavors develop beautifully in the fridge. Just remember to set it out for a short while before serving and give it a toss so the dressing coats everything evenly.

How can I add more protein?

Toss in cooked, diced chicken, chickpeas, or even cubes of ham or turkey. These additions transform Classic Pasta Salad from side dish to a satisfying, all-in-one meal.

Final Thoughts

Classic Pasta Salad truly deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation—it’s comforting, colorful, and always welcome at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish never disappoints. Give it a try, and you just might find it becomes your go-to pasta salad for all occasions!

Print