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Tasty Quick Pasta Mix

Featured in: Fresh Salad Recipes That Satisfy

Boil pasta until tender, cool under water. Combine with diced veggies, cubed cheese. Add tangy dressing, mix thoroughly. Sprinkle herbs just before serving. Tastes way better overnight as flavors blend. Makes an ideal warm-weather meal or potluck dish that stays fresh several days when refrigerated.

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Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 17:25:54 GMT
A colorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, cucumbers, yellow bell peppers, and herbs. Pin it
A colorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, cucumbers, yellow bell peppers, and herbs. | cookingkitchn.com

Need a speedy pasta salad that fits every event? You can whip up a vibrant Italian-style bowl packed with crunchy vegetables, tasty olives, and soft mozzarella in just 20 minutes. This no-fuss pasta mix brings all your favorite ingredients together with a tangy homemade sauce.

Ideal for Every Get-Together

Look through different pasta salad ideas and you'll spot tons of options. This one really shines because of its garden-fresh components and quick prep. It doesn't matter if you're off to a community potluck or setting up a family meal, the taste actually improves the longer it sits.

Your Ingredient List

  • Olive Oil: Grab the good stuff
  • Fresh Herbs: Try parsley or basil
  • Mozzarella: Tiny fresh rounds
  • Parmesan: Grate it yourself
  • Olives: Mix different kinds
  • Peppers: They add some kick
  • Green Onions: Light and crisp
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Little flavor bombs
  • Zucchini: For extra crunch
  • Bell Peppers: Pick any colors
  • Pasta: Shorter types are better
  • Seasonings: Oregano, salt, pepper
  • Vinegar: Red wine type works wonderfully

Easy Instructions

Keep it Fresh:
Stays good for days in the fridge. Great for planning meals ahead.
Let it Sit:
Refrigerate covered for at least half an hour. This lets all the flavors come together nicely.
Throw in Your Mix-ins:
Stir in your vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. Each bit adds new colors and tastes to your simple pasta dish.
Chill and Toss:
Cool pasta under cold tap water, then mix with your sauce while slightly warm. It'll soak up more taste this way.
Stir Up Your Sauce:
As pasta boils, combine vinegar, spices, and oil in a large container. This dressing gives your Italian pasta creation its character.
Cook Your Pasta:
Boil pasta in water with salt until barely soft. Don't cook too long - it needs to stay firm in your salad.

Gets Tastier Overnight

Unlike most food, this salad actually tastes better the next day. The noodles soak up all the yummy dressing flavors, making your leftover lunch even tastier than dinner was.

Pick the Right Noodles

Go for shapes that grab and hold the sauce - spirals, shells, or butterflies do the trick. These forms make every mouthful of your Italian mix more exciting.

Tasty Dressing Combo

The right sauce turns basic ingredients into something amazing. Blend red wine vinegar with spices and nice olive oil for that real Mediterranean flavor.

Switch Your Veggies Around

Just use what's in season and looks good. Bright veggies make your bowl look fantastic while tasting great too. Each different vegetable brings its own special crunch and flavor.

A colorful dish of spiral pasta tossed with mini tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, sliced cucumbers, black olives, chopped peppers, and green basil leaves. Pin it
A colorful dish of spiral pasta tossed with mini tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, sliced cucumbers, black olives, chopped peppers, and green basil leaves. | cookingkitchn.com

Ways to Enjoy It

Tastes great with barbecue or eaten alone for a midday meal. Take it to outdoor gatherings or share at backyard cookouts. This flexible dish works for any casual meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Making it early?

Making it yesterday works best. Flavors really mingle. Hold back some dressing. Add herbs last minute. Stays awesome when cold.

→ Want more protein?

Throw in some chicken. Canned tuna fits perfectly. Try chickpeas too. Pick your favorite. Stir it all together.

→ Need more veggies?

Any crunchy ones work. Crispier is better. Chop everything equally. Brighter colors win. Mix soft with crunchy.

→ Keeping leftovers?

Store in airtight container. Lasts nearly a week refrigerated. Give it a stir. Maybe add fresh dressing. Still tastes awesome.

→ Need it no wheat?

Gluten-free pasta works. Watch cooking instructions. Rinse thoroughly. Flavor stays great. Adjust cooking duration.

→ Getting too dry?

Hold some dressing aside. Pour just before eating. Keep pasta slightly wet. Don't over-drain. Fixes quickly.

→ Taking it places?

Transport in cooler. Carry extra dressing. Pack fresh ingredients separately. Bring serving utensils. Totally worth it.

→ Need it faster?

Use pre-chopped vegetables. Quick-cook the pasta. Prep items beforehand. Single bowl works fine. Won't lose freshness.

→ Making big batch?

Just multiply everything. You'll need bigger bowls. Watch your pasta proportions. Keep everything refrigerated. Mix in smaller amounts.

→ Want more flavor?

Toss in extra herbs. Try seasoning blends. Fresh minced garlic rocks. Squeeze some lemon juice. Don't go overboard.

→ Pasta not right?

Cook it slightly less. Run under cold water. Use plenty of salt. Stir occasionally. Slightly firm is perfect.

→ Veggies too hard?

Dice them tinier. Let them marinate longer. Go for softer varieties. Try different cutting sizes. Some crunch adds texture.

Conclusion

Enjoyed this? Check out cheese tomato salad next. Or whip up veggie topped toast. Both are super quick and refreshing.

Easy Cold Pasta Mix

Speedy chilled pasta blend.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Nourishing Salads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 pound uncooked pasta shapes such as rotini, fusilli, farfalle, or penne.
02 1 cup chopped bell pepper from 1 average-sized pepper.
03 1 cup thin zucchini slices from about half a medium zucchini.
04 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half.
05 1/3 cup green onions cut into thin slices (about 5-6 stalks).
06 1/4 cup banana peppers or pepperoncini slices if you want.
07 1 cup mixed olives cut in half (around 4 ounces).
08 1 cup hard cheese like parmesan, shredded (about 2 ounces).
09 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls cut in chunks (roughly 6 ounces).
10 1/3 cup basil or parsley leaves if you want.
11 1/3 cup champagne, white wine, or red wine vinegar.
12 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt with extra for adjusting taste.
13 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground.
14 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried.
15 2 to 3 tablespoons liquid from the pepperoncini jar if desired.
16 1/2 cup olive oil, extra-virgin.

Instructions

Step 01

Fill a big pot with water, add salt, and let it boil. Toss in your pasta and let it cook until soft, usually between 6-10 minutes. Look at your pasta package for the right timing.

Step 02

As your pasta boils, grab a big bowl and make your dressing at the bottom. Mix the vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, jar juice (if you're using it), and olive oil until everything blends together.

Step 03

When pasta's done, drain it and run cold water over it to cool it down. Dump the pasta into your bowl with the dressing and stir it all around so every noodle gets coated.

Step 04

Now throw in your bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, green onions, banana peppers (if using), olives, parmesan, and mozzarella. Toss in herbs too if you want them.

Step 05

Give your pasta salad a taste and add more salt and pepper if it needs it. For really good flavor, wrap it up and stick it in the fridge for at least half an hour before you eat it.

Step 06

You can keep this salad in your fridge for 3-5 days, and honestly, it tastes even better as the flavors mix together over time.

Notes

  1. Making this salad ahead of time works great since it gets tastier as it sits.
  2. Keep some extra dressing on the side to add just before serving to wake up the flavors.
  3. Don't worry about sticking to the exact recipe - swap things in or out based on what's fresh or what you've got handy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot.
  • Wide bowl.
  • Mixing spoon.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Cutting surface.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 363
  • Total Fat: 19.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36.6 g
  • Protein: 11.7 g