Italian pasta salad

Name: Italian pasta salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 300 grams dry fusilli or penne pasta (use 150 grams for 2 people, increase to 450–600 grams for more people); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup mozzarella cubes; ½ cup sliced black olives; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Are you looking for a simple dish that feels fresh but still filling? italian pasta salad brings together tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a light, flavorful dressing in a way that feels comforting without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well on a busy weekday as it does for relaxed family dinners. I often prepare it when I want something dependable that everyone will enjoy without extra effort. The balance of textures and gentle seasoning makes each bite satisfying. This recipe is written for 4 people, and you can easily adjust it when cooking for fewer or more servings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Do you ever need a meal that fits easily into your routine without extra stress? This recipe gives you a cozy, dependable option that feels homemade without requiring complicated steps. The mix of soft pasta, juicy vegetables, and light dressing creates a balanced dish that feels both refreshing and filling. It’s gentle on your budget and works well with ingredients you may already have.
Do you want something flexible enough for different occasions? italian pasta salad can be served for family dinners, packed lunches, or casual gatherings without needing any changes. It stores well, so you can make it ahead and enjoy it later. You can also adjust the portions easily—prepare half for two people or increase the ingredients to serve a larger group without changing the method.

Ingredients

300 grams dry fusilli or penne pasta (use 150 grams for 2 people, increase to 450–600 grams for larger groups)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add salt. Cook the pasta until tender but still firm when bitten. Drain and let it cool completely. For 2 people, use a smaller pot and less pasta, keeping timing similar.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, mozzarella, and olives. The colors should look bright and fresh. If making more than 4 servings, use a bigger bowl so everything mixes evenly without spilling.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour olive oil and vinegar over the mixture. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and oregano evenly. Gently toss using a spoon until the dressing lightly coats every piece. The pasta should look glossy but not overly wet or heavy at all.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Let the salad rest for 10 minutes so the flavors settle and blend naturally. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving. For smaller portions, resting time stays the same. Larger portions may need slightly longer mixing to distribute seasoning evenly throughout.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Do you need something you can prepare without watching the stove constantly? This recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require reheating before serving. You can make it earlier in the day and store it until needed. It also holds its texture well, so leftovers stay enjoyable. Preparing for two people saves time, while doubling the ingredients gives you ready meals for several days.

Tips & Tricks

Are you worried about pasta becoming sticky or clumpy? Always let the pasta cool before mixing with other ingredients, because warm pasta absorbs too much dressing and becomes heavy. If making a smaller portion for 2 people, cooling happens faster. For larger batches, spread pasta on a tray to cool evenly.
Do you find the flavor sometimes feels too mild? Make sure to season the pasta itself while boiling by adding salt to the water. This improves the taste throughout. When increasing portions beyond 4 people, don’t forget to slightly increase the dressing so everything remains balanced.
Do you notice vegetables releasing too much moisture? Use fresh, firm vegetables and avoid overly ripe tomatoes. Excess moisture can make the salad watery. For smaller servings, reduce vegetables evenly. For larger groups, prepare vegetables just before mixing to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Do you want better texture that stays enjoyable later? Add delicate herbs like parsley just before serving instead of early. This keeps the color bright and flavor fresh. When adjusting for fewer or more servings, keep the herb amounts proportional so the taste stays gentle.

Variations

Do you want to make it more filling with extra protein? Add cooked, sliced grilled chicken or turkey pieces for a heartier version. For 4 people, about 1 cup works well. If cooking for 2, use half that amount. Larger groups can increase protein without changing the rest of the method.

Do you prefer a fully vegetarian option with extra texture? Add roasted bell peppers, sweet corn, or chickpeas to make the salad more satisfying. These ingredients blend naturally with the dressing. Adjust amounts based on servings so the pasta remains the main element without becoming overcrowded.

Do you need to work with ingredients already in your kitchen? Swap mozzarella with cubed mild cheese or replace olives with chopped pickles for a slightly different flavor. Keep the quantities similar. When cooking for more or fewer people, adjust all additions evenly to maintain balance.

Do you want to brighten the flavor without changing the recipe too much? Add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This small change adds freshness. When scaling up for gatherings, increase herbs gradually so the taste stays pleasant and not overwhelming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light family dinner: Are you looking for something simple but satisfying in the evening? Pair it with warm bread or soup for a cozy meal. For 2 people, serve smaller bowls. For larger families, increase portions so everyone enjoys a complete serving comfortably.
Add alongside grilled protein: Are you planning a relaxed outdoor meal? Serve this salad next to grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. The freshness balances warm foods nicely. For gatherings, double the pasta salad so guests can take generous portions without running short.
Pack for next-day lunches: Are you hoping to make lunch easier tomorrow? Divide the salad into individual containers and store it overnight. It keeps its texture well. When preparing for 2 people, portion it evenly. Larger batches can cover several days of lunches.
Present in a large serving bowl: Are you serving guests at home? Use a wide bowl so the colors show clearly. This makes the meal feel welcoming. Increase the recipe naturally for bigger groups so everyone can serve themselves comfortably without needing additional preparation..

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Are you wondering how long it stays fresh? Store the salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For smaller portions, use compact containers to reduce air exposure. Larger portions can be divided into multiple containers to keep freshness longer.
Reheating
Concerned about texture changes? This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as heat softens the bread too much and reduces freshness.
Freezing
Thinking about freezing for later? Freezing is not recommended because the bread and vegetables lose their texture. It’s best prepared fresh or stored briefly in the refrigerator.
Make-ahead tips: Are you planning meals in advance? You can prepare the pasta and vegetables earlier and mix them later with dressing. This keeps everything fresh. Adjust quantities naturally depending on how many people you plan to serve without changing the preparation steps.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes

Nutrition Information

Are you curious about the nutritional value per serving? Each serving contains approximately 280–340 calories and 8–12 grams of protein. It also provides carbohydrates for energy and healthy fats from olive oil. These values are estimates and may vary depending on exact ingredients, portion sizes, and adjustments.

FAQs

Yes, prepare it up to one day in advance and store in the fridge. Adjust quantities depending on servings needed.

Add a small amount of olive oil and mix gently to restore moisture.

Yes, any short pasta works well. Adjust quantity based on number of servings.

Avoid overcooking. Cook just until tender but firm.

Conclusion

Are you searching for a reliable meal that you can return to again and again? This italian pasta salad gives you comfort, flexibility, and ease all in one bowl. It works beautifully for everyday meals, relaxed evenings, or planning ahead for busy days. You can adjust the ingredients, scale the servings, and shape it around your needs without changing the heart of the recipe. Once you try it, you’ll see how simple ingredients can come together in a way that feels both practical and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that quietly becomes part of your regular kitchen routine.