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Summer BBQ Pasta Salad Recipes — Best Cookout Side

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowties)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced (English or Persian)
  • 3/4 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced or finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or mozzarella pearls)
  • 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni, chopped (optional for extra savoriness)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, 1 minute less than package directions. You want a little bite so it doesn’t go mushy.
  2. Rinse and cool: Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water, then spread on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until emulsified.
  4. Toss the base: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives.
  5. Add the dressing: Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat. Let it sit 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
  6. Fold in extras: Gently mix in feta, salami or pepperoni (if using), parsley, and basil. Add more dressing to taste.
  7. Season and chill: Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar. Cover and refrigerate at least 30–60 minutes before serving.
  8. Serve: Give it a quick toss. If it seems dry after chilling, add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of dressing to refresh it.