Quick and Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
I’ve made this easy pasta salad recipe more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. It’s loaded with fresh, colorful vegetables, savory olives, creamy mozzarella, and plenty of herbs for extra flavor. A simple homemade dressing brings everything together and makes every bite taste amazing. This pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or a quick and healthy lunch. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 250g about 2 cups of your favorite short pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- Arugula Rocket Salad: 2 cups, loosely packed
- Tomato: 1 large tomato diced (or 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved)
- Mozzarella: 125g about 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- Corn: 1/2 cup can be fresh, canned, or frozen
- Gherkins: 4-5 small gherkins sliced
- Kidney Beans: 1/2 cup drained and rinsed (or 1 small can)
- Chicken Breast: 1 medium chicken breast about 200g, cooked and cubed
For the Dressing:
- Pesto Rosso: 2-3 tablespoons
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons grated
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed
- Fresh Basil: 1 tablespoon chopped
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Spices
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breast into small cubes. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, mix together the Pesto Rosso, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs of provence, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine everything
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, arugula, diced tomatoes, mozzarella, corn, sliced gherkins and kidney beans. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently until well combined.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before serving for an even fresher taste. Enjoy your easy and delicious pasta salad!
Notes
*Nutrition info is a rough estimate based on the ingredients. Note that values may vary from case to case.
*As with all recipes, there is a number of ways you can get things done. If you believe that some of the instructions can be improved, or have a good alternative solution, feel free to leave a comment.
