Name: Simple Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta; 2 heaping cups halved grape tomatoes; 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed); 1 cup thinly sliced (quarter slices); 1 cup vegan feta cheese; 1 cup basil torn basil leaves; 1 cup chopped mint; 1/4 cup red onion; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (more for drizzling); 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, packed with flavor, and easy to whip up, our Simple Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. With just 20 minutes of preparation, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between refreshingly light and satisfyingly hearty. Perfect for busy professionals, food lovers, or anyone aiming to eat healthy, this pasta salad is a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or even snacking.

With fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, this pasta salad is guaranteed to impress your taste buds. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, making it a go-to for potlucks, meal prep, or a busy weekday meal.

Looking to amp up your meal? Look no further! We’ve got a scrumptious selection of simple side dishes just for you. Dig in and tantalize your taste buds with these delectable options.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into your Simple Pasta Salad:

For the salad:
3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
2 heaping cups halved grape tomatoes
1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 cup cucumber slices (thin quarter slices)
1 cup vegan feta cheese
1 cup torn basil leaves
1 cup chopped mint
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
For the dressing:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon sea salt

This combination of fresh and wholesome ingredients creates a crisp, flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy Salads:

How to Store Your Simple Pasta Salad

One of the many perks of this pasta salad is how well it stores. Once prepared, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. When stored this way, the salad should last 4–5 days, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals, weekly meal prep, or packed lunches.

Before serving, you might want to give it a quick toss and drizzle on a bit more olive oil or lemon juice to freshen up the flavors. The herbs stay surprisingly fragrant, and the veggies remain crunchy for days.

How Long Can It Sit Out at Room Temperature?

Food safety is key, especially when it comes to dishes like pasta salad. If you’re serving the salad at a picnic, potluck, or party, it’s important to keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours. After that, the salad should be refrigerated. To err on the side of caution, try placing the serving bowl over ice to keep it cool longer during gatherings.

Simple Pasta Salad Variations

While this recipe is already vibrant and flavor-packed, it’s also highly adaptable! Here are some variations to make it your own:

Protein Boost: Add cooked and shredded grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Vegetable Swaps: Replace cucumbers with zucchini ribbons or add roasted red peppers for a smoky touch.
Cheese Lovers: Swap the vegan feta with regular feta or sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan.
Nuts or Seeds: Toss in toasted sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or slivered almonds for a crunchy contrast.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or thinly sliced jalapeños for added heat.

Feel free to get creative based on your favorite flavors and preferences. This recipe is a perfect blank canvas!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Your Pasta Salad

Here are some handy tips to ensure your pasta salad turns out perfect every time:

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy when tossed in dressing. Keep it slightly firm for the best texture.
Chill Quickly: Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and bring it to room temperature faster.
Balance the Dressing: Taste your dressing before mixing it into the pasta. Adjust the lemon, salt, or olive oil to achieve your desired balance of flavor.
Herb Care: Use fresh, tender herbs like basil and mint as they bring a fragrant brightness to the dish. Chop them close to serving to maintain their vibrancy.
Fix Leftovers: Give refrigerated leftovers a quick toss with a little olive oil or lemon juice to reinvigorate the flavors.

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Your New Go-To Recipe

Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, hosting friends on a summer evening, or simply craving something light and fresh, this Simple Pasta Salad is a recipe you’ll come back to over and over. It’s fast, easy, and packed with colors, textures, and zesty goodness.

What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and create your very own bowl of pasta perfection. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see how you make this dish your own!