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Lunch

Classic Summer Pasta Salad

A refreshing and simple pasta salad packed with crisp vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing that is perfect for any occasion.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 14, 2026
Classic Summer Pasta Salad
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
10 minutes
Total
25 minutes
Serves
8

There is nothing quite like a cold pasta salad on a warm summer day. It is one of my favorite things to put together because it is so easy to customize with whatever fresh vegetables I have in the fridge. Everyone loves the combination of tender pasta, crunchy greens, and a zesty vinaigrette.

This dish is a real winner for parties and potlucks since it holds up so well and actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. My best tip is to rinse your cooked pasta under cold water immediately to stop the cooking and keep it from getting mushy while you chop your veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

  2. 2

    Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water until it is completely cooled.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the broccoli, zucchini, squash, roasted red peppers, and tomatoes.

  4. 4

    Drizzle the Italian vinaigrette over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.

  5. 5

    Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add salt and pepper to your liking.

  6. 6

    Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

💡 Tips

You can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If it looks a little dry before serving, just add an extra splash of vinaigrette to freshen it up.

#pasta salad#summer#vegetarian#potluck#easy recipe

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