Cold Penne Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish to bring to your next summer potluck or enjoy as a light lunch? Look no further than this delicious Cold Penne Pasta Salad recipe. 

Packed with vibrant veggies, tender penne pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing, this dish is sure to become one of your favorite summer side dishes.

You can easily prepare this pasta salad to enjoy at your next picnic, barbecue, or weeknight dinner for a dish that’s as tasty as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• You can customize it with your favorite veggies and add-ins.
• Light and refreshing, making it ideal for hot summer days.
• Great for those looking for a healthier pasta salad option.
• Can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld for even more deliciousness.

Ingredients for tangy pasta salad

• Penne pasta
• Red onion, chopped
• Cucumber, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Bell peppers, diced
• Olive oil
• Yellow mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

How to make this easy pasta salad recipe

Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, according to package directions. 

Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.

Add chopped red onion, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced bell pepper to the bowl with the pasta.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies, then toss gently to coat.

Sprinkle chopped, fresh parsley over the salad for a burst of flavor.

Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Results

• Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese, sliced black olives, or pine nuts to the salad.
• Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Make sure to toss the salad well before serving to distribute the dressing evenly.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pasta salad for some added freshness.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap out the penne pasta for your favorite type of pasta, such as rotini or farfalle.
• Customize the veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• For a creamy pasta salad, mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayo-free salad dressing.
• Add protein by tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to make a Greek version of this pasta.
• ​Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

Easy Penne Pasta Salad

• Make this salad dressing the night before for a wonderful lunch or side dish.
• Prepare the vegetables (except the tomatoes) the night before and store in the refrigerator. You will always want to prepare the tomatoes when putting the dish together and remember to keep tomatoes at room temperature for the best flavor.
• You can boil the pasta ahead of time so it is ready when you are. Just drain the pasta and place in a plastic baggie or airtight container with a few drops of olive oil. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• You can actually make this entire salad the day before and let all the flavors blend together.

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