Updated: 21 September 2026 la 03:00. Articolul a fost revizuit pentru a reflecta informațiile disponibile la această dată.
Summer is the perfect season for refreshing, colourful and easy-to-make dishes.
Summer vegetable pasta salad is one of the simplest and most versatile recipes: ready in 20 minutes, it is ideal for lunch, a picnic or a light dinner.
To complement the information above, you can also read Quick 20-Minute Dinner: Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce – A Simple and Delicious Recipe, an article that explores an aspect directly related to this topic.
Why try this recipe?
- It is quick to make – perfect when you do not have the time or inclination to cook much.
- It is healthy: packed with vitamins and fibre from fresh vegetables.
- It is versatile: you can adapt it using whatever you have in the fridge.
- It is delicious and can be served cold, making it ideal for hot days.
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli or farfalle)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper, diced
- 80 g pitted olives (green or black)
- 100 g feta or cubed mozzarella
- 2–3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- a few fresh basil or parsley leaves
Step-by-step preparation
1. Cook the pasta
Put the pasta in salted water and cook according to the instructions on the packet. Drain, rinse under cold water and leave to cool.
2. Prepare the vegetables
Cut the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, pepper and cheese into cubes. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Combine the ingredients
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables. Add the olives, olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice). Toss gently and season with salt, pepper and herbs.
4. Serve
You can leave the salad in the fridge for 10–15 minutes so that the flavours combine more thoroughly. Serve cold, on its own or alongside grilled meat.
Tips and variations
- Replace the feta with mozzarella, goat’s cheese or tofu for a vegan option.
- Add tuna, grilled chicken breast or boiled eggs for a more filling salad.
- You can also add sweetcorn, courgette, blanched broccoli or avocado for extra flavour.
Did you know…
- Cold pasta salad originates in Mediterranean cuisine?
- It is a perfect dish for a picnic or meal prep – it keeps well in the fridge for 1–2 days?
- Durum wheat pasta retains its texture better and does not become sticky?
Summer vegetable pasta salad proves that a simple recipe can be tasty, healthy and attractive. It is ideal for warm days, easy to adapt and always a crowd-pleaser.
