If you are looking for a refreshing, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish that bursts with fresh flavors, let me introduce you to my Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe. This delightful salad combines perfectly cooked pasta with crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing that sings with lemon, garlic, and thyme. Whether you are planning a picnic, a potluck, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe promises a satisfying meal full of color, texture, and wholesome goodness. It’s simple enough to whip up anytime yet so flavorful it easily becomes a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with six distinct sections of food arranged in a circular pattern on a white marbled surface. The top right section has creamy white mozzarella cheese pieces with a slightly soft texture. Next to the mozzarella, at the top center, there is a portion of light beige pasta spirals mixed with herbs. On the top left side, small green cucumber slices are neatly arranged. Below the cucumbers, to the left center, are small black olive rings with a shiny, smooth surface. At the bottom left, finely chopped bright red bell peppers add color. The bottom middle section contains chopped green onions, and to the right of that, halved bright red cherry tomatoes and fresh dark green basil leaves make up the last section. The dish is fresh and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh and pantry staples that work harmoniously to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role – from the peppery spinach adding vibrant green hues to the juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy bell peppers offering freshness and snap.

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth base and healthy fats for the dressing.
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (substitute lemon juice): Brings a subtle tanginess that brightens the whole salad.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Elevates the dressing with fresh citrus zing.
2 cloves garlic (minced or pressed): Introduces a punch of savory depth without overpowering.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
1 teaspoon honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme: Offers subtle earthy and floral notes.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and seasons perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a little heat and complexity.
16 ounces short pasta: Choose shapes like rotini or penne that hold dressing beautifully.
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach (thinly sliced): Provides a mild, tender green crunch packed with nutrients.
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half): Bursting with sweetness and juiciness for a bright contrast.
1 cup cucumber (diced): Offers refreshingly crisp bites.
1 cup red bell pepper (diced): Brings a sweet and crunchy pop of color.
3/4 cup black olives (sliced): Adds a salty, briny dimension that lingers deliciously.
4 green onions (thinly sliced): Lends subtle sharpness and fresh crunch.
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (sliced in half): Melts softly on the tongue and provides creamy richness.

How to Make Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by combining all dressing ingredients in a mason jar or small bowl. This includes your olive oil, sherry vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until everything emulsifies into a smooth, flavorful dressing. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the garlic and herbs have time to infuse, resulting in a truly harmonious balance of flavors.

Step 2: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Next, cook the short pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by about 1 to 2 minutes to ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente. After draining, rinse the pasta under cold water for about a minute to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This cooling step is essential for a Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe because it keeps the texture light and fresh.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese

While the pasta cools, chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces: slice spinach and green onions thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and dice cucumbers and red bell peppers. This prep work ensures every forkful offers a colorful and delightful mix of textures.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, olives, green onions, spinach, and fresh mozzarella. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss until every bite is coated in that luscious, tangy dressing. Be careful not to smash the delicate components as you mix to maintain their fresh integrity.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor melding, refrigerate your pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows all the ingredients to soak in the dressing’s wonderful flavors and come together into a perfect, vibrant summer dish.

How to Serve Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe

This image shows a close-up view of a colorful pasta salad with many layers mixed evenly. The base layer is made of different pasta shapes in creamy yellow color, including swirls, wheels, and tubes. Scattered throughout are bright red halved cherry tomatoes and thin slices of green cucumber with a fresh texture. There are small white mozzarella balls distributed in the salad along with black olive rings that add dark accents. Fresh green spinach leaves and small green herbs are spread all over, giving a fresh and leafy look. Small pieces of red bell pepper add a splash of bright color, and black pepper is sprinkled on top. The dish is presented on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe not only makes the dish look stunning but also enhances flavor and texture. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley for an herbaceous lift or a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan for a salty, nutty finish. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds introduce a pleasing crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad shines as a main event for a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner. It’s equally suited as a side for barbecue or picnic fare, adding a fresh, tangy contrast to smoky, rich dishes. A crusty baguette or warm pita on the side keeps things balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn this simple pasta salad into a dish that wows at gatherings. Serve it in a large, colorful bowl to highlight the rainbow of ingredients. For individual servings, portion it into clear small jars or cups, layering pasta and veggies for a pretty, portable picnic option. You can even use vibrant bell pepper halves as edible bowls to add a fun twist and additional freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, be sure to store your Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep lunches or quick snacks. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the pasta might soak up some dressing while resting.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended because fresh vegetables and mozzarella balls lose their texture when frozen and thawed. To preserve the vibrant crunch and creaminess that make this salad special, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving, which softens flavors gently without losing the refreshing cold salad experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While short pasta like rotini or penne works best to hold the dressing and mix well, feel free to experiment with shells, farfalle, or even orzo depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Is there a vegan version of this Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe?

Yes! To make it vegan, simply omit the fresh mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing is naturally vegan, so no other changes are necessary.

How long should I let the dressing sit before using it?

Letting the dressing sit for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to marry beautifully, especially the garlic and thyme. However, if you’re in a rush, it can be used immediately with still excellent results.

Can I add protein to make this a complete meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even tofu would pair wonderfully with this salad to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from sticking after cooking?

Rinsing the pasta under cold water right after draining is key to stopping the cooking process and washing away excess starch, which prevents sticking and keeps your pasta salad fresh and easy to toss.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Simple Cold Pasta Salad Recipe a try soon because it effortlessly delivers fresh, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. It’s one of those joyful dishes that makes healthy eating exciting and satisfying, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Once you experience that perfect balance of tangy dressing, crisp veggies, and tender pasta, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!