How to Make a Classic Pasta Salad Side Dish – Perfect For Summer Celebrations

This summer, make your celebration even more festive with a simple and delicious pasta salad! It’s the perfect side dish to complement all the classic barbecue favorites – hot dogs, burgers, and grilled corn.

With just a few ingredients, like pasta, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing, this pasta salad is easy to whip up and sure to be a hit. It’s customizable, too, so you can add your favorite extras like cheese, olives, or even grilled chicken. Plus, it’s best served chilled, making it a refreshing choice for a summer day.

Whether hosting a backyard bash or joining friends for fireworks on 4 July, this pasta salad is a must-have for your summer spread!

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Equipment You Will Need

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Large cooking pot
• Drainer
• Small mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Salad tosser / spoon

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Summer Pasta Salad

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

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Pasta:

12 ounces (about 3 cups) bowtie pasta

Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh arugula, chopped

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt (for cooking pasta)

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

• Author: Little Party Pixie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Party Food & Drinks
• Cuisine: American

Step-by-Step Process

Festive Touches:

• To add a touch of blue and enhance the festive spirit of the 4th of July, consider adding blueberries or using a variety of colored bell peppers (red, yellow, and green).
• Serve in a large bowl decorated with flags or arrange it to resemble the American flag with the veggie toppings.
• This pasta salad is delicious, refreshing, and beautifully colorful, making it a perfect addition to your 4th of July festivities! Enjoy!

Want more summer salad ideas? Try the Potato Salad or the Watermelon and Feta Salad recipes for more delicious inspiration.

© Little Party Pixie 2025