Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing: A Perfect Lunch Recipe for Food Lovers

Name: Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Cooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne works best); 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 Cucumber, sliced into half-moons; 1/2 Red onion, thinly sliced; 1 Red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup Black olives, sliced; 1/4 cup Fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 1/4 cup Olive oil; 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Honey or maple syrup; 1 Garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Dried basil; 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice

Looking for an easy yet delicious meal that will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down? This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is the ideal lunch dish for food lovers who enjoy fresh, flavorful, and light meals. With a balance of tender pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish stands out in both taste and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weekday lunch or a more sophisticated meal to share with friends, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

Not only is this pasta salad customizable, but it’s also perfect for meal prepping ahead of time, ensuring that your busy days are filled with wholesome, tasty options. Let’s dive into how to make this pasta salad from scratch!

Ingredients for Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

For this recipe, you’ll need fresh, accessible ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s a clear breakdown of everything required:

For the Pasta Salad:

3 cups of cooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne works best)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced into half-moons
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Homemade Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Follow these simple, action-packed steps to create a pasta salad that is as beautiful as it is tasty!

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin with boiling about 1 ½ quarts of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This typically takes around 8-10 minutes. When that is done, well drain the pasta and then rinse it under cold water to ensure it is halted from continuing to cooks. Set it aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine all the veggies in a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Homemade Dressing

In a small bowl or a mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Shake or stir until the ingredients are emulsified, creating a smooth, flavorful dressing.

4. Assemble the Salad

Now place the cooled pasta on the bowl containing the vegetables. Pour the homemade dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the pasta and veggies are dressed for maximum flavor.

5. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped basil over the salad before serving. This adds both creaminess and freshness to the dish. Spoon it immediately or, for a more pronounced flavor, let it set for an hour in the refrigerator.

Helpful Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

Pasta Choice: Opt for sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne. These shapes hold the dressing well and give the salad a good bite.
Meal Prep Friendly: Pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors deepen as the salad sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Dressing Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the acidity of the dressing by adding more or less vinegar or lemon juice, depending on your taste.
Storage: Refrigerate any leftover in an airtight container for up to three days. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and freshen it up with a drizzle of olive oil.

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing Variations and Substitutions

Add Protein

Turn this salad into a heartier meal by adding your favorite proteins. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs pair wonderfully with this pasta salad. For plant-based options, try adding chickpeas or tofu.

Vegan Option

To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. You can also sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta. Make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package closely, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes require different cooking times.

More Vegetables

Enhance the health factor by adding even more vegetables to your salad. Consider using spinach, kale, shredded carrots, or even roasted veggies like zucchini and eggplant.

Different Dressings

While the homemade dressing in this recipe is tangy and delicious, you can switch things up with a creamy Caesar or pesto dressing for a richer flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love this Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing

Quick & Easy: You can throw this together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent lunch option for busy weekdays.
Customizable: Whether you’re looking to add proteins, more veggies, or adapt it for specific diets, this pasta salad is flexible enough to accommodate all.
Perfect for Sharing: Heading to a picnic or potluck? This dish is a crowd-pleaser! The bright colors and fresh flavors make it a hit at any gathering.

If you’re interested in other light and refreshing recipes, try these:

Make This Pasta Salad Today!

This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is not only easy to make but also bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a meal prep option, this dish won’t disappoint. So why not try it today? And don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or leave a comment below about how your salad turned out!

FAQS

How far ahead can I prepare this pasta salad?

Yes! In fact, pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just keep it in an airtight container and give it a quick toss before serving.

Which particular pasta is most suitable for pasta salad?

Short, sturdy pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne is ideal for pasta salad. These shapes hold onto the dressing better and provide a good texture.

How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?

Pasta salad can last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to stir it before serving, as the dressing might settle.

How many days will pasta salad last if left in the refrigerator?

Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as usual.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

If you’re not a fan of feta or prefer a vegan option, you can substitute it with diced avocado, vegan cheese, or simply omit it altogether.

Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought dressing can be used if you’re short on time. However, we highly recommend trying the homemade version for a fresher, more personalized flavor.