Easy Pasta Salad Recipe: Perfect for Any Braai! | by Tyla

Make this easy pasta salad recipe with homemade dressing in 30 minutes. Perfect for braais, potlucks, and summer gatherings. The best potluck salad that everyone will love!

| By Tyla

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Total

1 hr

Servings

8 servings

Ingredients


Instructions

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    Drain pasta immediately and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Let drain well.

  3. 3

    Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice olives. Finely chop fresh parsley.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, and sugar. Whisk vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.

  5. 5

    Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust if necessary.

  6. 6

    In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and sliced olives.

  7. 7

    Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.

  8. 8

    Add fresh parsley and toss again.

  9. 9

    Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 1-2 hours, to allow flavours to meld.

  10. 10

    Toss again before serving. Add a splash more olive oil or vinegar if needed.


Notes

Tips for Success

  • Vibrant, flavour-packed dish
  • Refreshingly cool and wonderfully versatile
  • Quick enough for weeknight side but special enough for holiday spread
  • Homemade dressing makes all the difference
  • Crowd-pleasing classic that feeds a crowd

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooked pasta becomes mushy in salad
  • Can become bland if under-seasoned
  • Pasta can clump together if not rinsed properly
  • Vegetables can become soggy if not chilled promptly
  • Dressing may separate after chilling

Nutrition (per serving)

320 kcal

Calories