Name: Best Cold Pasta Salad for BBQs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and cooled pasta (rotini or bowtie work well); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup diced cucumber; ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped; ¼ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup black olives, sliced; ½ cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta; ¼ cup chopped parsley or dill

This Cold Pasta Salad is the ultimate BBQ side dish—cool, crisp, and full of flavor. With tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s a make-ahead classic that pairs perfectly with grilled favorites. It’s easy to customize and even better the next day.

Ingredients List

3 cups cooked and cooled pasta (rotini or bowtie work well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced cucumber
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup shredded cheddar or crumbled feta
¼ cup chopped parsley or dill

For the Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Makes 6–8 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 260
Carbs: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g

Storage Instructions

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Stir before serving if made ahead
Not suitable for freezing

Pairings/Suggestions

Perfect with burgers, grilled chicken, or BBQ ribs
Add chickpeas or grilled corn for variety
Try it with ranch or Italian dressing for a twist

Seasonal Relevance

Perfect for spring and summer BBQs, picnics, potlucks, and meal prep
A go-to dish for hot weather gatherings and make-ahead meals

Conclusion

This cold pasta salad is colorful, fresh, and full of tangy flavor—ideal for backyard BBQs and summer parties. It’s easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.