Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad

Name: Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

I love making Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad when I need a delicious meal that doesn't take much time. The tangy balsamic dressing combined with fresh vegetables and pasta creates an irresistible dish that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up this salad using pantry staples that I usually have on hand. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite in our household.

Created by

Emmas

Last updated on 2026-02-15T15:34:19.346Z

When I first experimented with this Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad, I wanted a fresh and quick meal that highlighted the flavors of the season. I played around with different vegetables and finally settled on cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for their burst of freshness. The key was allowing the pasta to absorb the balsamic dressing while still warm, enhancing each bite with flavor.

One day, I served this dish at a family gathering, and it disappeared within minutes! My relatives loved the combination of textures and tastes. I recommend adjusting the balsamic vinegar amount based on your personal taste, as I like mine a bit tangy. It’s also a fantastic base for adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright, zesty flavors that bring life to any meal
Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
Perfect as a side dish or a light main course

      

Choosing Your Pasta

The type of pasta you choose greatly influences the texture of your Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad. Farfalle and penne are excellent options due to their shapes, which hold the dressing and other ingredients effectively. When cooking, ensure you add enough salt to the boiling water; this enhances the pasta's flavor. Aim to cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the dressing and vegetables.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using chickpea or quinoa pasta. They provide a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will still work beautifully in this salad. Just remember, cooking times can vary for alternative pastas, so keep a close eye on the cooking process to avoid mushiness.

Versatile Vegetable Choices

While this recipe features cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper, feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies. Grated carrots, sweet corn, or even roasted zucchini would also add great flavor and texture. The key is to ensure that all vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces, which makes for easier eating and better distribution in each serving.

When prepping vegetables, pay attention to their freshness. Slicing them just before you mix them with the salad can enhance their texture and taste. If you prefer a crunchier salad, you can even let the vegetables sit in the dressing for about 10 minutes before adding the pasta, allowing them to soak up some flavor without losing their crispness.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad is its make-ahead quality. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much moisture, which may lead to a soggy salad. This way, when it's time to enjoy, all you need to do is toss it together and garnish with fresh basil.

If you're looking to enjoy leftovers, I recommend adding a bit of olive oil or more dressing before serving again; this will refresh the flavors and texture. To keep the salad vibrant, store it in an airtight container; it can last in the fridge for about 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Quick Balsamic Pasta Salad:

Salad Ingredients

8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all your ingredients are fresh to achieve the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to put your salad together:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Combine Everything

Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your salad chilled or at room temperature!

This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips

For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas. You can also switch up the veggies based on what you have available or what’s in season.

Flavor Adjustments

If you're a fan of bold flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder taste, honey or maple syrup can be whisked into the balsamic vinaigrette to balance the acidity. Just a teaspoon will do the trick without overwhelming the overall flavor profile.

Herbs play a crucial role in enhancing the freshness of your pasta salad. Beyond basil, fresh oregano or parsley can be mixed in, or even some crumbled feta or mozzarella for a creamy twist. These additions not only elevate the taste but also bring an appealing color contrast to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This salad serves wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats or fish, complementing their smoky flavors with its bright acidity. For a complete meal, you can add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas right into the salad, transforming it into a satisfying main course.

If you're taking this salad to a potluck, consider packing it in a large, clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. A sprinkle of additional herbs or cheese on top just before serving can make it more visually appealing, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Farfalle or penne are great choices for this salad, but any short pasta will work well.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, arugula, or olives depending on your preferences.