The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
Profile Photo

Perfect Summer Pasta Salad

5.00 Mitt(s) 6 Rating(s)6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 56 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5

Prep:

Cook:

Level: Easy

System:

8
x

Print Options

Page size Letter 3x5 4x6
Text Size Small Medium Large
Content Include description
Include prep time, etc.
Show image

Description

My tweaked version of my mother-in-law’s pasta salad. It’s light and refreshing, perfect for a summer get-together or as a side at your next BBQ. I even like to add some leftover grilled chicken to the leftovers for an easy lunch.

Ingredients

  • FOR THE DRESSING:
  • ¾ cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ½ cups Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
  • ¾ Tablespoons Salt
  • FOR THE SALAD:
  • 1 pound Pasta, Cooked (any Short Cut)
  • ½ cups Cherry Tomatoes, Halved Or Quartered
  • ½ cups Cucumbers, Diced
  • ½ cups Carrots, Diced
  • 3 whole Green Onions
  • ½ cans (5 Oz. Can) Crumbled Feta Cheese
  • ¾ cups Red Wine Or White Vinegar Or Combo Of Both

Preparation

Combine the dressing ingredients in a lidded jar and shake to combine thoroughly. I typically use about half red wine vinegar and half white vinegar, more red wine lends a more strong flavor. I like to make the dressing the night before so the flavors can meld. Store it in the fridge then take it out about a half hour before you want to use it so the olive oil will re-liquefy.

Cook pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, uniformly dice all your veggies. The ones listed on the ingredient list are my go-to ones, but bell peppers, peas, asparagus, etc. would all be good. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and run cold water over it to stop the cooking process.

Add cooked pasta and veggies to a large bowl. Shake up your dressing one more time and add about 2/3 of it. Stir up the salad and add more dressing or veggies as you see fit. Taste and adjust seasonings. Lastly, toss in your feta cheese. It’s best to let the salad sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

P.S. All veggie measurements are approximates. Customize this salad to your liking! The dressing is the best part anyways.

2 Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Profile photo of chanonn

chanonn on 8.20.2019

Oh my gosh! Best dressing ever! I used Wacky Mac spiral noodles, blanched broccoli, black olives, seeded diced tomato (didn’t have cherry tomatoes but I’d prefer those) and green onions! Family LOVED it!

Profile photo of The Cottage Kitchen

The Cottage Kitchen on 1.10.2011

Thank you for posting this recipe – I know you call it a summer salad but works just as great in the middle of winter :) – I bought some beautiful pacific salmon fillets and wanted something light and simple to go along side them – this works perfectly!

6 Reviews

You must be logged in to post a review.

Profile photo of chanonn

chanonn on 8.20.2019

Oh my gosh! Best dressing ever! I accidentally posted my review above in comments!

Profile photo of kentuckywoman

kentuckywoman on 8.11.2013

I have made this salad several times to rave reviews every time. My husband swears this is the best pasta salad he’s ever tasted. I think so too! Thanks so very much for sharing!

Profile photo of katejudy311

katejudy311 on 7.6.2012

I could drink this dressing. The pasta salad itself is good, but this is the best red wine dressing I have found!

Profile photo of The Cottage Kitchen

The Cottage Kitchen on 1.10.2011

Amazing pasta salad!!
The dressing would work on just about ANYTHING – I didn’t have any feta cheese, so just went with a veggie mix of carrots, green onions, chopped tomatoes and green peppers with the pasta – for me, I didn’t need anything else added. Awesome :)

Profile photo of cbarrette

cbarrette on 9.24.2010

Big hit at a beach birthday this summer. Tons of leftover dressing that I used on salad for the next few days :)

Related Recipes

Tuna Pasta Salad
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Salads
A quick and easy pasta salad with albacore tuna, sweet peas,...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 8 Level: Easy


Red Pepper Pesto Pasta Salad
Profile Photo by Katie Clack in Salads
This roasted red pepper pesto pasta salad is bursting with Mediterranean...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 4 Level: Easy


Beet Macaroni Salad
Profile Photo by Natalie Wiser-Orozco in Salads
Add blood boosting nutrition to the classic Macaroni Salad side dish...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy


Festive Pomegranate Couscous Salad
Profile Photo by Another Music in a Different Kitchen in Salads
Festive pomegranate couscous salad with pearl couscous, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, parsley,...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 8 Level: Easy


Creamy Macaroni Salad
Profile Photo by Beth Pierce in Salads
Creamy Macaroni Salad is an easy summer pasta salad that makes...
0.00 Mitt(s) 0 Rating(s)0 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 50 votes, average: 0.00 out of 5

Prep: Cook:

Serves: 6 Level: Easy