Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies: 7 Reasons to Make It Today

Name: Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies: 7 Reasons to Make It Today
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup olives, sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

July 28, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish – Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies! This delightful salad is like a burst of sunshine on a plate, packed with vibrant colors and fresh flavors that just scream “enjoy me!” Trust me, there’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of this refreshing goodness on a warm day. It’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for picnics, barbecues, or even just a light lunch at home.

Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies - detail 1

What I love most about this pasta salad is its versatility. You can really make it your own! Not a fan of olives? No problem! Swap them out for some crunchy carrots or swap in your favorite herbs. You can even toss in some leftover grilled chicken if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of dish that invites creativity while still being so satisfying. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it at gatherings and watch everyone go back for seconds (and thirds!). So, let’s dive into how to make this delicious treat!

Ingredients for Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies

Here’s what you’ll need to create this colorful and refreshing Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store!

2 cups pasta (I love using rotini or penne for their fun shapes!)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these sweet little gems add so much flavor)
1 cup cucumber, diced (for that perfect crunch!)
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color you like—red, yellow, or green will do!)
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (it adds a nice zing, but feel free to adjust to your taste)
1/4 cup olives, sliced (I usually go for black or Kalamata, but you do you!)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the creaminess here is just divine)
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for the best flavor)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (it gives the salad that tangy kick)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if you have it on hand—just chop it up!)
Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with those seasonings!)

How to Prepare Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this refreshing Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies! I promise, it’s super straightforward and fun, so grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Cooking the Pasta

First things first, let’s cook the pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (this is crucial for flavor!). Once it’s bubbling away, toss in the 2 cups of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. You want it cooked but still with a bit of bite to it – nobody likes mushy pasta! After it’s done, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down, making it perfect for our salad.

Combining the Ingredients

Now that your pasta is nice and cool, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pasta with all those gorgeous veggies! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The colors will be so vibrant, it’s like a party in a bowl! Gently mix everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated with the veggies for that delightful crunch.

Making the Dressing

Next up, let’s whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to give it a good whisk until it’s nicely blended. This dressing is what ties everything together, so make sure you taste it and adjust the seasonings if you’d like – trust your palate!

Tossing and Chilling

Now for the best part! Pour that lovely dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture, and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. Make sure every bite gets that delicious dressing! Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is so important because it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it’ll be extra refreshing when you serve it up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for those busy days when you need something delicious in a flash!
Loaded with colorful, fresh veggies that not only taste amazing but also make it a feast for the eyes.
Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Super versatile! You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins, so it never gets boring.
This salad is a total crowd-pleaser—everyone loves it at picnics, barbecues, and potlucks!
Light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic option for warm weather meals.
It’s vegetarian-friendly and can be easily made gluten-free—just choose the right pasta!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some handy tips that’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and boost your salad game!

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on that pasta while it cooks! Al dente is the way to go—cooking it just right will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Cool It Down: Rinsing the pasta under cold water isn’t just a step; it’s the secret to keeping your salad refreshing. It stops the cooking process and helps the pasta maintain its texture.
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to get creative with the veggies you use! Just make sure to keep them uniform in size so they mix evenly and every bite is delightful.
Flavor Boost: If you want to amp up the flavor even more, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving. It gives everything a lovely brightness!
Chill Time Matters: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting your salad chill for at least 30 minutes (or even longer if you can wait!) really lets those flavors come alive and meld together.
Seasoning: Always taste your dressing before pouring it over! Adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking can make all the difference. Sometimes a little extra pinch is just what it needs!
Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for a couple of days, but the veggies might get a bit softer—still delicious, though!

Variations on Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies

If you’re like me and love to mix things up in the kitchen, you’re going to adore these creative variations on my Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies! The beauty of this salad is its flexibility, so let’s get adventurous!

Herb Explosion: Swap the dried oregano for fresh basil or parsley for a burst of garden-fresh flavor. You can even mix in some chopped mint for a refreshing twist!
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. It’ll give your salad a nice zing!
Cheesy Goodness: While feta is fantastic, why not try crumbled goat cheese or shredded mozzarella for a different creamy texture? Each cheese brings its own charm!
Protein Power: Want to make it heartier? Toss in some diced grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even tuna. It’ll turn this salad into a satisfying meal!
Seasonal Veggies: Embrace the seasons! In the summer, add zucchini or fresh corn. In the fall, diced roasted butternut squash or cooked Brussels sprouts can add a lovely depth.
Fruit Fusion: For a sweet twist, throw in some diced apples, grapes, or mandarin oranges. The sweetness complements the savory elements beautifully!
Nuts & Seeds: Add some crunch with toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts. They not only add texture but also a nutritious boost!
Asian Inspired: Swap the dressing for a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, and add shredded carrots, snap peas, and edamame for a deliciously different vibe!

The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to experiment! You might just discover your new favorite version of this delightful salad. Enjoy making it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Great news! Storing your Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies is super easy, and it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just make sure to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container—this keeps the flavors fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from sneaking in!

If you happen to have some salad left after a gathering (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity!), you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the veggies may soften a bit as time goes on, but it’ll still be delicious!

Now, reheating? Well, I usually recommend enjoying this salad cold, as that’s where all its refreshing goodness shines. But if you really want to warm it up, you can toss it in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it, though! You don’t want to cook the veggies; you just want to take the chill off.

So, whether you’re enjoying it cold straight from the fridge or giving it a quick warm-up, this Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies is bound to delight your taste buds every time!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for this delightful Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies! Each serving packs a punch of flavor along with a nice balance of nutrients, making it a great addition to your meals. Here’s a general breakdown:

Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Just a little note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this as a rough guide. I always recommend checking labels if you have specific dietary needs. Enjoy every colorful bite of this yummy salad!

Share Your Thoughts

I’d absolutely love to hear what you think about this Cold Pasta Salad with Veggies! Have you tried making it yourself? What veggies did you use? Did you come up with any fun variations? Your feedback means the world to me, and I’m always excited to see how others make this recipe their own!

If you enjoyed this salad, please take a moment to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Feel free to rate the recipe too! Your experiences help others discover this tasty dish, and I’m all about spreading the love for delicious food.

So, grab your fork and dig in, then come back and share your thoughts. I can’t wait to hear from you!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.