I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a bit of a pasta salad snob. If it’s so-so, I’ll pass it over in favor of other potluck staples. So, making the very best pasta salad recipe was really important to me. The key is incorporating layers of flavor so each bite tastes like a wonderful surprise. I load it up with bold flavors such as seared pepperoni, salty feta, and tangy pepperoncini. Then there are the crunchy, lightly seared zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil. The whole deal gets tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing, so it’s reminiscent of an Italian pasta salad. This recipe is so good that I just know it’s about to become your favorite. Bonus: it’s an easy pasta salad that takes only 20 minutes to whip up!
This is THE BEST summer pasta salad
There are around 41,723 pasta salad recipes online, so why should you make this pasta salad recipe?
Time: Despite the complex flavors, this satisfying and filling pasta salad takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for days when you want something impressive but want it now. Potluck champion: This recipe is perfect to make ahead – actually, it tastes even better when the ingredients have time to meld together. This makes it ideal for transporting to potlucks, picnics, or cookouts. Taste: There are layers of flavors here! With savory and spicy pepperoni, tangy notes of feta cheese, refreshing crunch of summer squash, freshness from herbs, and tang from the pepperoncini. It’s the kind of dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Fresh and vibrant: As far as summer pasta salads go, this one packs a punch of freshness with tomatoes, basil, zucchini, red onion, and fresh herbs. It’s a celebration of seasonal flavors!
Summer pasta salad ingredients
As I mentioned, it’s all about layering up on flavors, so your summer pasta salad has a burst of deliciousness in every bite! Gather these items:
Short pasta: I like making this with fusilli, but I have also used penne, rotini, farfalle, and even orzo. Use your favorite or what you have on hand. Pepperoni: Contributes a meaty, savory bite with a little spicy kick. Don’t skip it! Fresh vegetables: I like using zucchini, summer squash, cherry tomatoes, and red onion—everything that grows fresh in the garden in summer! Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, crumbly feta cheese is a must! Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, summery freshness to the pasta salad. Pasta salad dressing: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper combine to make the most delicious dressing!
How to make the best summer pasta salad
Honestly, I love this summer pasta salad so much, especially its vibrant flavors. I’d throw a summer gathering just to show it off! Bonus: with just 10 minutes of prep, I can entertain with ease. This is how it’s done:
How to make this Italian pasta salad recipe in advance
Honestly, this summer pasta salad is even better when all the flavors have had a chance to mingle and meld together. To make this ahead, simply whip it up, then let it cool to room temperature before you put it in the fridge in an airtight container. It’s best at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving it, or pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to take the chill off. Keep in mind that it may dry out in the fridge – if that’s the case, add a drizzle of olive oil and stir it through.
How to store summer pasta salad
Leftover pasta salad should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If it seems a little dry after a few days, toss it with a splash of olive oil. Here are five tips for this summer pasta salad recipe:
Protein swap: I love the spicy pepperoni in this summer pasta salad, but you could swap it out for another type of cooked sausage, prosciutto, a vegetarian sausage, or bacon. Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken, turkey, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas work well, too. Mediterranean: With the feta cheese and Italian herbs, this summer pasta salad is just begging for more Mediterranean elements! Add some kalamata olives and capers. Caprese twist: Swap the feta cheese for mozzarella and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Spicy pasta salad: Add some red pepper flakes or some jalapeños for an extra kick. Add some crunch: Pine nuts add a subtle flavor and satifying crunch.
Can you freeze pasta salad?
I don’t recommend freezing pasta salad as the veggies will become watery and mushy when thawed.
Did you make this?
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