Name: Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup fresh basil (loosely packed); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 3/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes OR freshly ground black pepper; 1 pound farfalle pasta; 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half); 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced); 1 12 ounce container marinated mozzarella balls (removed from oil); 1/3 cup fresh basil (loosely packed, thinly sliced)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that’s as vibrant and effortless as a summer picnic, you’ll absolutely fall for this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe. Bursting with bright basil dressing, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangle of tender farfalle, it’s the kind of crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, weekday lunches, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is chosen for the way it brings flavor, texture, or color to the table. You only need a few simple ingredients, but together they create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:

Fresh Basil: This gives the salad an aromatic, peppery brightness that’s the star of the homemade dressing.
Garlic: Adds a punchy, savory backbone to boost every bite.
Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps bind the basil dressing ingredients.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lends a zippy freshness to balance the dressing’s richness.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang, rounding out the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness to keep the dressing perfectly balanced.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Black Pepper: For a little pop of heat—go for what suits your mood best.
Farfalle Pasta: Also known as bow tie pasta, it holds onto that flavorful dressing like a dream.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and colorful—they brighten every forkful.
Red Onion: Adds just the right amount of crunch and bite.
Marinated Mozzarella Balls: Creamy pockets of cheesy goodness that soak up all the wonderful flavors.
More Fresh Basil: Thinly sliced for a burst of color and an extra layer of herbal aroma.

How to Make Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Basil Dressing

Start by making the luminous green basil dressing! In your food processor or blender, combine fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and your choice of red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper. Pulse everything on high for about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure the basil is fully incorporated. When you’re done, you should have a creamy, pourable dressing with no visible pieces—just an impossibly green, fragrant sauce. Set this aside and try not to sneak too many spoonfuls!

Step 2: Cook the Farfalle

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the farfalle pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, typically 7 to 8 minutes. Salting your water is crucial—it’s the first chance you get to flavor the pasta. Once done, drain the pasta, then rinse quickly in cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking. This also helps hurry along the cooling process so your salad is ready faster.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables and Cheese

While the pasta water heats and cooks, turn your attention to the veggies and cheese. Slice cherry tomatoes in half to let their juices mingle with the dressing. Thinly slice a bit more basil for garnish and freshness, and cut the red onion as thin as possible for a bite that’s craveable, not overpowering. Don’t forget to drain the marinated mozzarella balls and set aside—you want them ready to jump in!

Step 4: Cool and Dress the Pasta

Once your pasta is drained and rinsed, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dazzling basil dressing over the top while the pasta is still just a hint warm—it encourages the flavors to absorb. Gently toss to coat every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Cheese, Then Toss

Now add your tomatoes, sliced basil, red onion, and those marinated mozzarella balls. Gently but thoroughly mix everything together so that every forkful gets a taste of each ingredient and is thoroughly coated in that basil dressing. Your Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is now ready to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Top your salad with a sprinkle of fresh basil ribbons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, and—if you’re feeling fancy—a few grinds of black pepper or a small handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. These little additions make the Easy Pasta Salad Recipe even more special and visually stunning.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta salad with grilled chicken, lemony shrimp skewers, or crusty bread for a picnic-perfect spread. It’s also incredible alongside simple green salads or a chilled soup like gazpacho—anything fresh and light loves keeping company with this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the salad into individual mason jars for a portable lunch, or serve it family-style on a big platter scattered with basil leaves and colorful tomatoes. You can even build a DIY pasta salad bar, letting friends add extra toppings like olives or roasted peppers for their own customized creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, which honestly makes it taste even better the next day. Just give it a gentle toss before serving!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad, since the tomatoes and basil can lose their vibrant texture, and the mozzarella could become watery when thawed. However, you can freeze just the basil dressing ahead of time for quick salad-making later.

Reheating

This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip the reheating. If you prefer it closer to room temp, simply take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before serving, and let it warm naturally while you set the table.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Any short pasta such as rotini, penne, or fusilli will hold up beautifully with the dressing and chunky veggies in this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe.

What if I don’t have marinated mozzarella balls?

No problem—you can use cubed fresh mozzarella, or even add bite-sized pieces of feta for a tangy twist if you like.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely. This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a reliable go-to for potlucks and picnics with mixed dietary needs.

Can the dressing be made ahead?

Yes! The basil dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge; give it a shake before using to recombine all the flavors.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and prepare as directed. Everything else in this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is already gluten-free!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying or adaptable as this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a party or prepping lunches for the week, it will quickly become a mainstay in your rotation. Give it a try and watch it disappear with joyful, hungry smiles!

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a zesty basil dressing creates a delicious and satisfying pasta salad.

Instructions

For the Basil Dressing: In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse on high for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, or until smooth. Set aside until needed.
For the Pasta Salad: Place a large pot of salted water over high heat; bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half; thinly slice the basil and red onion; set aside until needed. Remove the mozzarella balls from the oil and set aside. When the pasta is done, drain and rinse it under cold water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing, tomatoes, basil, onion, and mozzarella. Toss to combine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian