Summer Pasta Salad

Showcase the best garden-fresh veggies with tender pasta tossed in a zesty dressing with feta cheese and fresh herbs. You can’t go wrong!

This delicious Summer Pasta Salad recipe is sponsored by Walmart.

Flavor: This salad is fresh and zesty, with a tangy vinaigrette that complements the sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta.
Skill Level: This recipe is easy to make and perfect for all skill levels, from beginner cooks to seasoned home chefs.
Prep Note: Make the salad and dressing up to a day ahead and keep cold until ready to dress and serve.
Budget Tip: Toss in leftover veggies and cheese from the fridge to bulk up the recipe.
Serving Suggestions: Make it a main dish and add some chopped salami, tuna, salmon, or leftover chicken.

labelled ingredients for summer pasta salad

Ingredient Tips for Summer Pasta Salad

Pasta: Firmer pasta like rotini, bowtie, cavatappi, or penne helps the dressing cling because of the ridges and hollows. Cooking it to ‘al dente’ keeps it even firmer with the other ingredients.
Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, corn, and radishes offer a rainbow of colors and textures to summer pasta salad. Use what you’ve got or thaw a bag of frozen mixed veggies and skip the veggie prep.
Cheese: Dry cheeses like feta, parmesan, and blue cheese crumbles add a salty flavor balance to summer pasta salad. The cheese can be omitted altogether for a dairy-free salad if desired.
Dressing: This classic vinaigrette is made with oil, vinegar, Dijon, and a few herbs. Use more or less of the seasonings or add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro to make it different every time. Short on time? A bottle of ready-made Italian or Greek vinaigrette works great, too.
Variations: Add extras like sliced black olives, sliced pepperoncini, jalapenos, sundried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.

summer pasta salad in a glass serving bowl

For the best pasta salad, cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep it from getting sticky.
Cut the veggies and cheese into bite-sized pieces so a little bit of salad goodness gets into every bite

Storing Summer Pasta Salad

Store summer pasta salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir and adjust seasonings before serving again.

PRO TIP: Freezing pasta-based dishes isn’t recommended since it won’t thaw as firm as fresh, but this recipe is so quick and easy, just start fresh.

More Summer Salads

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Summer pasta salad is an easy, fresh recipe bursting with vibrant veggies, sweet corn, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing—perfect for any warm-weather meal.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

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Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and run under cold water to stop cooking.
Combine vegetable oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mason jar and shake well to combine.
Combine pasta, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, corn, radishes, and feta in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Top with additional feta cheese and herbs if desired.

Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir to refresh before serving.
We used fresh dill and parsley but any fresh herbs are great in this summer pasta salad.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Pasta, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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