Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing – Fresh, Colorful, and Flavor-Packed

Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is the ultimate side dish that’s fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Tender pasta is tossed with crisp vegetables, cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a light main dish, this pasta salad is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Colorful – A mix of vibrant veggies makes it as pretty as it is tasty.
Homemade Dressing – Tangy, zesty, and so much better than store-bought.
Versatile & Easy – Works as a side dish, meal prep, or light main course.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Flavors get even better after chilling.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) rotini or bow-tie pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), chopped
• ½ cup red onion, finely sliced
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Homemade Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, olives, mozzarella, and parsley.
4. Dress the Salad
   Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve
   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 10g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Make It Ahead – Prepare a few hours in advance for maximum flavor.
• Cheese Options – Feta, cheddar, or Parmesan also work beautifully.
• Add More Veggies – Zucchini, broccoli, or carrots add extra crunch.

Why This Recipe Works

The homemade dressing adds a fresh, tangy kick that elevates the pasta salad far beyond store-bought versions. Combined with colorful vegetables and creamy cheese, it makes a refreshing, well-balanced dish that’s always a hit.

This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is fresh, zesty, and easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any gathering or meal. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.