Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy, colorful, and super tasty dish, this Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad is it.
It’s my go-to for picnics, BBQs, potlucks… and let’s be real, I’ve also eaten it straight from the bowl at midnight.
It’s packed with fresh veggies, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing that ties it all together.
Kids love it, adults ask for seconds—everyone’s happy.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is a total win in our house. I grew up eating a version of it at every summer family party, and now I’ve made it my own veggie-packed version. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day!
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for picky eaters (you can totally customize the veggies!)
- No mayo—light, fresh, and zesty
- Travels well for lunches or parties
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper to taste
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Salt your pasta water like the sea! It’s the only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
- Don’t skip the fresh parsley—it adds brightness!
- If your kids don’t like onions, swap it for a milder green onion or skip it.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Strainer
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowl
- Small jar or bowl for dressing
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use mozzarella pearls instead of feta for a creamier, milder cheese
- Sub in any pasta shape—bowties and penne work great too
- Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein
- Try Italian seasoning if you don’t have fresh parsley or oregano
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this salad a day ahead—just stir it before serving and maybe add a little extra dressing if it’s absorbed overnight.
- Prep all the veggies and dressing the day before, then mix it up fresh!
👩🍳 How to Make Vegetarian Italian Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Prep the veggies
While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, chop the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh parsley.
Step 3: Make the dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk well until combined.
Step 4: Mix it all together
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, all the chopped veggies, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over and toss until everything is coated. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Stir before serving—sometimes the dressing settles.
- Add a splash of olive oil or vinegar if it feels a little dry.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Grilled veggies or tofu
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A fresh fruit salad
- Lemonade or iced tea on a sunny day
- Great side for veggie burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yep! Just leave out the feta or use a vegan version.
Q: How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Rinse it with cold water after cooking and toss with a bit of olive oil.
Q: Can I use store-bought dressing?
Sure! Just look for one with clean ingredients—Italian or balsamic vinaigrette works great.
🥗 Let’s Make This!
This pasta salad is a total crowd-pleaser—easy to throw together and packed with fresh flavors. I hope you give it a try soon! When you do, come back and let me know how it went. Drop a comment with your favorite veggie swaps or any questions—I love hearing from you! 💬🍅🍝