Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
If your usual pasta salad feels lifeless, this one will fix that. The star? A smoky, slightly sweet roasted red pepper dressing that makes everything better. It’s creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of bold. Toss it with perfectly cooked pasta, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese, and suddenly, salads don’t seem so boring. This dish works for picnics, meal prep, or last-minute potlucks where you need to impress without actually trying. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. You might want to make extra—because leftovers won’t exist.
Pasta Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
A bold, smoky, and creamy pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables and tossed in a homemade roasted red pepper dressing.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta because ridges hold dressing better
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (for a pop of freshness)
- ½ cup cucumber diced (crunch is key)
- ½ cup black olives sliced (because saltiness = flavor)
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced (adds a little bite)
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled (because cheese is never optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped (makes everything taste fresh)
For the Roasted Red Pepper Dressing:
- 1 cup roasted red peppers drained (smoky and sweet perfection)
- ¼ cup olive oil because dry pasta is a crime
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar for tang
- 1 clove garlic minced (flavor booster)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard adds depth
- ½ tsp dried oregano Mediterranean vibes
- ½ tsp salt season properly
- ¼ tsp black pepper a little kick
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the dressing by blending roasted red peppers, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces—tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and olives.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Let it chill for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop (if you have patience).
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving for extra freshness.
- Enjoy cold or at room temperature—either way, it won’t last long.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Vitamin A: 25%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Folate: 15%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 10%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Swap feta for parmesan if you want a sharper cheese flavor.
- Let it sit overnight—the flavors get even better.
- Serve with toasted pita or crusty bread to make it a full meal.
- Try adding chickpeas for extra texture and protein.
