Print

Classic Homemade Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5 Ingredient Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

classic homemade pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, fresh, and tangy pasta salad made with just a few basic ingredients, perfect for potlucks, quick meals, and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini pasta
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (8 to 10 minutes) until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 2 tablespoons olive oil if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, finely chop ¼ cup red onion, and roughly chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and chopped veggies to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss gently to keep pasta and tomatoes intact. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. For lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. Use vegan mayo and egg-free pasta for a vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, homemade pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, crowd-pleaser, quick recipe, summer salad

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/classic-homemade-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-crowd-pleasing-favorite/