{"id":194,"date":"2021-04-30T15:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-30T09:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tashasartisanfoods.com\/blog\/?p=194"},"modified":"2026-04-04T13:38:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T08:08:31","slug":"summer-pasta-salad-basil-balsamic-vinaigrette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tashasartisanfoods.com\/blog\/summer-pasta-salad-basil-balsamic-vinaigrette\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Pasta Salad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This\u00a0summer pasta salad<\/strong>,\u00a0loaded with veggies and tossed with a homemade basil dressing, tastes fresh, looks vibrant, and is ready in\u00a0under 30 minutes<\/em>.\u00a0It\u2019s the best pasta salad for your next get-together or a busy weeknight meal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pasta<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Honestly, pasta salad is so easy to make. The only cooking involved is boiling the pasta. Once that\u2019s done, you\u2019re just a quick toss away from a bowl of vibrant, zingy goodness. It\u2019s bright, colorful, and so refreshing!<\/p>\n\n\n[feast_advanced_jump_to]\n\n\n

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Why You\u2019ll Love This Recipe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 Pasta salad is a complete meal in one bowl. You\u2019ve got pasta, veggies, and so much flavor packed in every bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 From start to finish, this easy pasta salad comes together faster than ordering takeout. Perfect for those moments when you\u2019re thinking, \"What\u00a0to make for dinner?<\/em>\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 It\u2019s\u00a0great\u00a0for meal prep. The pasta salad stays well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also keep all the ingredients and the dressing prepped, and mix when you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 Super versatile! Add any veggies you have in the fridge, mix in cheese, meat, tofu, or even paneer for a protein boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2728 The salad also makes a great side dish for picnics, potlucks, and cookouts. It travels well and doesn't wilt. Something quick, light, and satisfying.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Reader Love \u2764\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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This was amongst the first salads I made years ago and remains a favourite with us even today \ud83d\ude42 - Sweta<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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this was so easy to make, turned out very good! thank you for sharing. - Drew<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ingredients For Pasta Salad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\"Vegetables<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Pasta<\/strong>: I like to use fusilli for this simple pasta salad recipe, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh Veggies:<\/strong> A good thing about this easy summer pasta salad is that you can use any variety for color and crunch.  For me, red and yellow bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, and cherry tomatoes add a beautiful rainbow of colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herbs<\/strong>: Fresh parsley brings the pasta to life. Use basil for the vinaigrette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Garlic<\/strong>: For that robust flavor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balsamic vinegar<\/strong> is sweet and tangy and balances everything perfectly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemon<\/strong>: Freshly squeezed juice for brightness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oil<\/strong>: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil makes\u00a0the best summer pasta salad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please see the recipe card below for full information about the ingredients and quantities.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Add cheese:<\/strong>\u00a0My go-to cheeses here are Gouda, sharp cheddar, crumbled feta (like I used in my\u00a0Greek salad<\/a>), or Parmesan (like in my\u00a0Italian salad dressing<\/a>). You can also use mozzarella, like in my\u00a0Italian tortellini pasta salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add protein:<\/strong> Add some crispy tofu, grilled chicken, prosciutto, or salami to make it more substantial. I also love adding chickpeas, as I did for this\u00a0smashed chickpea salad<\/a>\u00a0and my roasted sweet potato chickpea salad<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use different vegetables:<\/strong>\u00a0Broccoli, snap peas, corn, artichoke hearts, or zucchini all work beautifully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For creamy summer pasta salad<\/em>, try the dressing I made for my\u00a0creamy cucumber salad with Greek yogurt.<\/a>\u00a0Pickled onions, kalamata and green olives, and\u00a0marinated tomatoes<\/a>\u00a0make the easy light pasta salad so flavorful!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How To Make Summer Pasta Salad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Step 1:<\/strong> Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta as per the directions. Drain, rinse well, and keep aside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 2:<\/strong> Add chopped basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3:<\/strong> Pulse until the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust for seasoning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step 4:<\/strong> Combine the cooked and cooled pasta, sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Salad<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 5:<\/strong> Pour in the basil vinaigrette. Mix well. Taste and adjust for seasoning. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"Pasta<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 6:<\/strong> Sprinkle parsley, cover, and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. Serve cold or at room temperature.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pro Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n