Pasta Salad Combo
Introduction
Pasta Salad Combo is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish—fresh, colorful, and endlessly customizable.
It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, savory add-ins, and a zesty dressing for a meal that
works just as well for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or picnics. Light yet satisfying, this combo delivers
big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup mozzarella cubes or shredded cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked chicken, tuna, or chickpeas (optional)
- ½ cup Italian dressing (or dressing of choice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl.
- Add tomatoes, cucumber, olives, bell peppers, onion, cheese, and protein if using.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until combined.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Description
This Pasta Salad Combo is fresh, crunchy, and full of bold, tangy flavor. The pasta creates a hearty base,
while the vegetables bring brightness and texture. The dressing ties everything together, making each bite
refreshing and satisfying. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste.
Tips
- Use short pasta shapes to hold dressing better.
- Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning just before serving.
Corrections
- Salad is dry: Add a little more dressing and toss again.
- Pasta too soft: Cook only until al dente and rinse with cold water.
- Flavor is flat: Add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice.
- Watery salad: Pat vegetables dry before mixing.
Enjoy
Serve this Pasta Salad Combo chilled as a side dish or enjoy it as a light main meal.
Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or quick lunches, it’s simple, refreshing, and always delicious.
Enjoy every bite!
