Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Craving a light, refreshing, and wholesome dish? Let me introduce you to my Easy Pasta Salad Recipe, a perfect blend of vibrant vegetables, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh herbs. This salad is not just a side dish—it’s a star at picnics, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of fusilli pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese creates a symphony of flavors that’s both satisfying and healthy. What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is—you can easily swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies while keeping it fresh and colorful.
In this recipe, I use simple, everyday ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. The key is to balance textures and flavors: soft pasta, crunchy cucumbers, nutty pine nuts, and aromatic herbs like basil, parsley, and mint. Tossed with a light dressing, this pasta salad is irresistibly flavorful and makes for an Instagram-worthy meal.
Ingredients List
3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
2 heaping cups halved cherry tomatoes
1½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups arugula
1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half moons
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
½ cup minced fresh parsley
½ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Required Kitchen Tools
When making my Easy Pasta Salad, having the right tools makes the process effortless and enjoyable. Here are the essentials I always keep on hand:
Large Pot – For boiling the pasta evenly without it sticking together.
Colander – To drain the pasta and rinse it quickly under cold water to stop cooking.
Mixing Bowl – A large bowl to toss all the ingredients together comfortably.
Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board – For slicing cucumbers, halving cherry tomatoes, and chopping herbs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – To make sure ingredient ratios are perfect for consistent flavor.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – For gentle tossing without breaking the pasta.
Having these tools ready makes the cooking experience smooth and stress-free.
Pasta Preparation
The foundation of this salad is perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. I always follow a few simple steps to ensure it’s firm yet tender:
Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and a pinch of salt, then bring it to a rolling boil. Add 3 cups of fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually 10-12 minutes for al dente texture.
Drain and Rinse: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta cool quickly, preventing it from sticking together.
Set Aside: Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl. I like to let it sit at room temperature while preparing the veggies, so everything is ready for a quick toss.
By preparing the pasta correctly, you set the stage for a salad that’s both light and perfectly textured.
Assembling the Pasta Salad
Now comes my favorite part—bringing all the fresh, vibrant ingredients together. I love how this step transforms simple pasta and veggies into a colorful, flavorful dish.
Step 1: Add the Veggies and Herbs
Start by adding 2 heaping cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, and 2 cups of fresh arugula to the cooled pasta. Then sprinkle in the fresh herbs: 1 cup torn basil leaves, ½ cup minced parsley, and ½ cup chopped mint. These herbs give the salad an aromatic, refreshing flavor that makes every bite bright and lively.
Step 2: Incorporate Chickpeas and Feta
Next, fold in 1½ cups of drained and rinsed chickpeas for protein and a slightly nutty flavor. Add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese to give the salad a creamy, tangy touch. I gently toss the ingredients together so the pasta remains intact and the flavors start to mingle.
Step 3: Add the Crunch with Pine Nuts
Finally, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts over the salad. They add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty aroma that perfectly complements the creamy feta and fresh veggies.
Dressing the Pasta Salad
While I keep this pasta salad light, a simple dressing elevates the flavors beautifully:
Ingredients: Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Method: Drizzle about 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the salad. Season with salt, pepper, and a tiny pinch of garlic powder. Gently toss until everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—this step makes the salad truly shine.
After tossing, the salad is ready to serve, bursting with colors, textures, and a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. It’s light yet filling, perfect as a side or a main dish.
Serving and Decoration
I love serving this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion—from casual lunches to family gatherings. Here are a few ways to elevate its presentation and flavor:
Garnish: Sprinkle a few extra torn basil leaves or a few more toasted pine nuts on top for a fresh, inviting look.
Cheese Twist: For an extra creamy touch, add a little more crumbled feta just before serving.
Serving Ideas: Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or enjoy it on its own for a light, nutritious meal.
This salad is not just about taste—it’s also visually stunning, with bright reds, greens, and creamy whites that make it almost too pretty to eat… almost!
Storage Instructions
Keeping the Salad Fresh
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—the salad stores beautifully. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I recommend adding any delicate herbs like basil just before serving to keep them vibrant and flavorful.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh veggies and feta, I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
Conclusion
Making my Easy Pasta Salad is not just about following a recipe—it’s about creating a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor. From tender fusilli to juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, crunchy pine nuts, and fragrant herbs, every bite is a celebration of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a light and healthy dish, this pasta salad is a go-to recipe that never disappoints. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back to this simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious recipe again and again.
