Best Potluck Pasta Salad

Always a crowd-pleaser, this pasta salad has won first place in several potluck contests. Summer vegetables, tender pasta, salty cheese, and a mouthwatering zesty dressing! #pastasalad #potluck #bbq #italian #greek #mediterranean #pasta, #salad #makeaheadrecipe #easyrecipe

Print Recipe

5 from 27 votes

Homemade pasta salad that's perfect for any potluck or backyard bbq!

Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: greek pasta, italian pasta, potluck recipe

Servings: -10 servings

Calories: 263kcal

Author: The Chunky Chef

Ingredients

PASTA SALAD

1 box uncooked short-cut pasta (I used farfalle but rotini or penne work as well), 16oz
2/3 cup sliced red onions
1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes halved (regular cherry or grape tomatoes work as well)
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/4 cup pickled capers jarred
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

HOMEMADE DRESSING

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice freshly squeezed if possible
2 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh minced oregano
2 tsp fresh minced parsley
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Salt the water with about a tablespoon of salt. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (according to package instructions).
Drain pasta and toss with a light drizzle of olive oil. Set aside to cool slightly.
While pasta is cooling, chop tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Set aside in a large mixing bowl and add capers to the bowl.
Add dressing ingredients, except for olive oil, to a bowl and whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil, and continue whisking until completely combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Add the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the large bowl with the vegetables. Pour dressing over the top and toss to combine.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, up to 2 days.
Serve cold or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

For best flavor, if making more than several hours ahead of time, make extra of the dressing and toss 1/4 cup of the extra dressing with the pasta before serving.

Nutrition