pasta salad vinaigrette recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best pasta salad vinaigrette recipe

I’m so excited to share this pasta salad vinaigrette recipe with you all. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will enjoy.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quick weeknight dinner.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses.

My kids love it when I add some crispy bacon bits or diced chicken to give it a bit of protein. What I love about this pasta salad vinaigrette is that it’s made with simple ingredients that are easily accessible at your local grocery store.

The vinaigrette dressing is what really sets this dish apart from other pasta salads. It’s light and refreshing, with just the right amount of tanginess to cut through the richness of the pasta and vegetables.

This recipe has been passed down from my grandmother, who learned it from her Italian aunt. It’s a classic dish that’s been around for generations, and I’m so glad I can share it with you today.

Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

4.7 from 1963 votes

This pasta salad features a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer picnics or potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

8 oz pasta shapes, such as fusilli or rotini
1 cucumber
1 bell pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/2 red onion
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
Set aside.
4While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
5Finely chop the red onion.
6Place the vegetables in a large bowl.
7In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
8Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the vegetables.
10Pour the vinaigrette dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
11Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
12Add the pitted Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta salad.
13Gently toss to incorporate.
14Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
15Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
16This step is optional but enhances the overall taste.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large bowl
Small bowl
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

Tips: You can customize this pasta salad with your favorite vegetables or add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

Watch Video Of How Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing Works

This pasta salad vinaigrette recipe is always a good idea for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or just need a quick meal for your family, this recipe never fails to impress.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores in the fridge – just toss everything together in an airtight container and let it chill overnight before reheating as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you want to use a shorter pasta shape such as penne or bow tie. These shapes hold onto the vinaigrette dressing nicely and make each bite more flavorful.

Q: Can I use store-bought vinaigrette instead of making my own?

A: While store-bought vinaigrette is convenient, I highly recommend making your own from scratch. It only takes a few minutes to whisk together the ingredients, and the flavor is so much better than anything you’d buy in a bottle.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

A: This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without any issues. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving.

Q: Can I add cooked chicken or beef to this salad?

A: Absolutely! This salad is perfect for using up leftover cooked meat. Simply chop it up into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad along with your favorite vegetables.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free pasta option. Be sure to check the ingredient label on your chosen pasta shape to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time and serve at a party?

A: Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare all the ingredients and assemble the salad just before serving.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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