Vibrant Summer Pasta Salad
These are the top reasons why it’s worth making this pasta salad as soon as possible this summer.
- perfect for large crowds, gatherings, picnics, and celebrations
- Use your favorite pasta like penne, ziti, farfalle…
- Filled with colorful vegetables
- Made without any cream or mayonnaise
- It’s best if you leave it to set in the fridge overnight
What else can I add to my pasta salad
We added white cheese Solakis into the salad. This cheese is similar to feta cheese, but it’s slightly creamier. Feel free to add any of these delicious additions:
- crispy pan-fried pancetta
- Roasted chicken
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, corn
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Fresh basil or other herbs for freshness
- Cooked chickpeas or canned chickpeas
Storing
This salad is the best the next day. If you have time, make it a day ahead, cover it with cling film and keep it refrigerated until the next day.
Optionally, store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to make Summer Pasta Salad at home (video)
Check this quick video to master making Summer Pasta Salad at home.
Next, try these Picnic recipes
- Buckwheat Stir Fry with Vegetables
- Rosemary Potato Focaccia
- Tzatziki Feta Spread
- Roasted Smashed Potatoes
- Pico de Gallo
- Easy Octopus Salad
- Olivier Salad
- Lepinje (Balkan Flatbread)
METHOD
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cook the pasta
Place a large pot of salted water over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions when the water boils.
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prepare the cheese and vegetables
Cut the Salakis cheese into small cubes. Cut the cucumber into thin slices. Peel the onion and cut it into thin slices. Halve the olives and cherry tomatoes. Cut the peach into small pieces. Cut the pepper into thin slices.
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dressing
Make the salad dressing. Combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, grated garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and coriander in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.
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Pasta salad
Make the pasta salad. Add cooled pasta to a serving bowl, along with prepared cheese, vegetables, and peach. Add the salad dressing and toss to combine. Optionally sprinkle with fresh basil and serve.
