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Quick and Easy Pasta Salad

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This quick and easy pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, and endlessly flexible. Made with hearty pasta, crisp vegetables, creamy mozzarella, salty olives, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette, it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy lunches.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried pasta (fusilli, penne, rotini, or farfalle)
  • 1 cup sliced bell pepper (1 medium)
  • 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini (1/2 medium)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions (5–6)
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers (optional)
  • 1 cup halved mixed olives (4 ounces)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, chopped (6 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil (optional)
  • Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup red wine, white wine, or champagne vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2–3 tablespoons pepperoncini juice (optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until tender according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and olive oil.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and toss until well coated.
  4. Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, green onions, pepperoncini, olives, Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.
  • For best flavor, make a day ahead and refresh with extra dressing before serving.
  • Swap vegetables based on season or preference.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian