Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

If you're from Wisconsin, chances are you've had a variety of pasta salads over the years. Pasta salad is a summer staple in the Midwest for cookouts, graduation parties, and local sandwich shops. A good pasta salad recipe is a great to have on hand when you need to use up garden vegetables. You can do so much with pasta salad just by switching up the vegetables or the dressing. Don't be afraid to explore!

Yummy pasta salad with fresh vegetables

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe makes 8-10 servings. We recommend using local ingredients to ensure freshness and to support your community.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need for this pasta salad recipe:

• 12 oz. dry pasta (rotini or penne is best)

• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 medium bell peppers (preferably red, orange, or yellow), chopped

• 1 large cucumber, chopped

• 1/2 medium red onion, diced

• 1 cup black olives, sliced

• 1 cup cheddar jack cheese, cubed (optional)

Pasta Salad Dressing

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar

• Parsley (1 Tbsp dried or handful fresh chopped)

• Oregano (1 Tbsp dried or handful fresh chopped)

• Basil (2 Tsp dried or 1/4 cup fresh chopped)

• Salt, to taste

• Black Pepper, to taste

  
  

Choosing organic and local ingredients not only enhances flavor but also reduces exposure to pesticides and supports sustainable farming.

How to Prepare the Pasta Salad

Follow these steps:

1. Boil the pasta according to package directions, minus 2 minutes to keep the noodles from getting mushy.

2. While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onion. Add them to a large bowl with the black olives.

3. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, add the pasta to the bowl with the chopped veggies.

4. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, herbs, and salt and pepper to a small bowl. Whisk together to combine and pour over the pasta and veggies.

5. Gently mix and toss everything together in the bowl to combine.

6. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Remove from the fridge and serve cold. It's even better the next day!

   
   

This simple recipe is fun to customize. Swap out any of the vegetables, cheese, or the dressing to make it your own!

Ooey gooey chocolate goodness

Variations to Try with This Recipe

This recipe template is flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Add Vegetables add broccoli or thinly sliced carrots for a good crunch.

• Swap Cheese use your favorite cubed cheese or swap in mozzarella for an Italian twist.

• Add Meat add cured salami or pepperoni for extra protein and flavor.

• Change the Dressing try a different vinegar or herbs to change the flavor profile.

  
  

Experimenting with these variations allows you to customize the recipe while keeping it aligned with your preference for local ingredients and organic choices.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Store your pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. We don't recommend freezing this recipe. Give the pasta a good stir before serving.

Pasta salad make a great side dish, snack, or even a meal if you pack if full of different ingredients.