15 Minute Pasta Salad
This 15 Minute Pasta Salad is a quick, fresh, and flavorful side dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a simple homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, or busy weeknights, this easy pasta salad recipe comes together fast and tastes even better chilled.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cubed cheese optional
- Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Grated Parmesan
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse lightly under cool water to stop cooking.
- Prep the Vegetables
- While pasta cooks, chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine
- Add pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in vegetables and cheese (if using).
- Pour dressing over top.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Chill & Serve
- For best flavor, chill for 15–30 minutes before serving.
- Toss again and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well—it’s key for flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta or it may become mushy.
- If salad seems dry after chilling, add a splash of olive oil.
- Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.