How to Master Make-Ahead Pasta Salad

Pasta Perfection

Precise cooking and cooling technique ensuring ideal texture retention.

Component Balance

Thoughtful ratio of pasta to vegetables creating textural harmony.

Dressing Development

Calibrated acid-to-oil emulsion complementing both pasta and fresh elements.

Time Management

Strategic marination period allowing flavor integration without compromising textures.

Baking Tips

Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue to soften slightly in the dressing

Reserve some of the vinaigrette to refresh the salad just before serving

For the best texture contrast, cut vegetables in various shapes and sizes

Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform into a main dish

The pasta salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead, but add fresh herbs just before serving

For best flavor, bring the salad to room temperature before serving

Use pasta with ridges or cavities to better hold the dressing

Blanch harder vegetables like broccoli or green beans if incorporating them

Summer Pasta Salad

Name: Summer Pasta Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: For the Pasta Base:; 1 pound (450g) short pasta (such as farfalle, rotini, or orecchiette); 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for pasta water); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta after cooking); For the Vegetables and Add-ins:; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium English cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered; 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned; 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (optional, omit for vegan version); For the Fresh Herbs:; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade; 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely sliced; For the Vinaigrette:; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional); 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; For Garnish:

This Summer Pasta Salad recipe combines al dente pasta with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bright vinaigrette to create a refreshing warm-weather dish. The blend of colorful ingredients provides a balance of textures and flavors, making it versatile enough for backyard barbecues or elegant picnics. This medium-difficulty recipe requires attention to pasta cooking time and vegetable preparation but rewards with a visually stunning, make-ahead option perfect for summer entertaining.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

10 Minutes

Total Time

1H15 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta Base:

1 pound (450g) short pasta (such as farfalle, rotini, or orecchiette)

2 tablespoons kosher salt (for pasta water)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta after cooking)

For the Vegetables and Add-ins:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium English cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely diced

1 cup artichoke hearts, quartered

1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned

1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (optional, omit for vegan version)

For the Fresh Herbs:

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade

1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely sliced

For the Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional)

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Additional fresh herbs

Lemon zest

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely.

Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cools, prepare all vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, finely dice the red onion, quarter the artichoke hearts, halve the olives, and julienne the sun-dried tomatoes.

Make the vinaigrette: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously or whisk until emulsified.

Combine ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the cooled pasta and all prepared vegetables. If using, add the fresh mozzarella pearls.

Add the fresh herbs: Add the torn basil, chopped parsley, oregano, and sliced chives to the pasta mixture.

Dress the salad: Pour about three-quarters of the vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. Add more dressing as needed to taste.

Marinate: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.

Before serving: Remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more vinaigrette if the pasta has absorbed the dressing.

Garnish the pasta salad with toasted pine nuts, additional fresh herbs, lemon zest, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

Summer Pasta Salad

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Master Make-Ahead Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad

Ingredients

Instructions