{"id":240528,"date":"2025-05-14T00:10:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T00:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/recipes\/category-a-b\/baking-category-a-b\/the-best-italian-pasta-salad-mayo-free-dressing\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T00:10:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T00:10:08","slug":"the-best-italian-pasta-salad-mayo-free-dressing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=240528","title":{"rendered":"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div><input class=\"jpibfi\" type=\"hidden\"\/><\/p>\n<p><em>If you don\u2019t have a big bowl of this easy pasta salad in your fridge\u2026 you\u2019re missing out! It\u2019s the easiest quick lunch\/dinner.side-dish ever! You\u2019ll love this pasta salad recipe because it makes a huge bowl, tastes incredible, and is easily adaptable.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and Italian dressing, it\u2019s the perfect summer side dish. Make it as is, or bulk it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies like black olives, chopped bell pepper, cucumbers, or zucchini.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Big bowl of pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Italian dressing on top.\" class=\"wp-image-64919\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194.jpg 800w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Big bowl of pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Italian dressing on top.\" class=\"wp-image-64919\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-194.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick &amp; Easy Pasta Salad<\/h2>\n<p>Easy pasta salad is a quintessential summer recipe! Served cold and loaded with fresh ingredients, it\u2019s the best side dish for picnics, cookouts, and 4th of July celebrations. Whenever I bring a big bowl of this to a bbq or potluck, it\u2019s the first dish that people snap up. And I always leave with requests for the recipe.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So what makes this easy pasta salad recipe so darn good? A combination of perfectly cooked pasta, homemade Italian dressing, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and mozzarella cheese. Colorful, fresh, and bursting with flavor in every bite, this summer classic is absolutely irresistible.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Salad Ingredients for Italian pasta salad in a large bowl. \" class=\"wp-image-64921\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190.jpg 800w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Salad Ingredients for Italian pasta salad in a large bowl. \" class=\"wp-image-64921\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-190.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why You\u2019ll love this Pasta Salad Recipe\u2026<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The pasta salad dressing is 100% homemade, but oh-so-easy.\u00a0No heavy mayo here, just a homemade Italian dressing you\u2019ll want to drizzle on everything!<\/li>\n<li>Ready in less than 30 minutes! This is the quick and easy pasta salad recipe you\u2019ll fall in love with.<\/li>\n<li>The perfect combination of salad ingredients\u2026 there\u2019s so much texture and flavor in each bite.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>You can easily customize this salad to your needs; add more veggies, use different pasta shapes, add grilled protein, or switch up the cheese.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>No fancy chef skills needed. If you can boil pasta and chop salad ingredients, you can make this pasta salad.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>A total showstopper! Topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cheery balls of cheese, this summer salad is visually stunning and always stop people in their tracks.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Salad ingredients for pasta salad on large baking pan.\" class=\"wp-image-64914\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189.jpg 800w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Salad ingredients for pasta salad on large baking pan.\" class=\"wp-image-64914\" style=\"width:702px;height:auto\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189-500x750.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-189.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pasta Salad Ingredients\u00a0<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pasta:<\/strong>\u00a0I use farfalle, but feel free to use other pasta shapes like elbow noodles, mini shells, or fusilli instead. Pasta shapes with crevices work best in pasta salad because they catch all the yummy pasta salad dressing!<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cherry tomatoes:<\/strong>\u00a0In-season cherry tomatoes work best because they\u2019re naturally sweet and juicy. If you can\u2019t find ripe cherry tomatoes, any variety could work. I\u2019ve even used sun-dried tomatoes in the winter.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Red Onion:\u00a0<\/strong>Thinly sliced, red onion gives this salad a nice kick of flavor and a pop of color. I don\u2019t suggest substituting white onion or green onions.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mozzarella Cheese:\u00a0<\/strong>I love mini mozzarella<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>balls and feel they really make this salad. But you can sub crumbled goat\u2019s cheese or feta if desired. And non-marinated mozzarella balls or mozzarella chunks are also some other options. Or add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the salad or Italian dressing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>I don\u2019t always add them, but black olives are a delicious addition to this salad! They add a briny pop of flavor and the black olives add visual interest as well!<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"Big bowl of pasta salad with cherry tomatoes on the side.\" class=\"wp-image-64917\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195.jpg 1200w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Big bowl of pasta salad with cherry tomatoes on the side.\" class=\"wp-image-64917\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-195.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Italian Dressing (Pasta Salad Dressing)<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Basil:\u00a0<\/strong>This is not the place to substitute dried basil. The fresh herbs are a must and add a ton of flavor and give the Italian salad dressing a gorgeous green hue.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Garlic:\u00a0<\/strong>Use FRESH garlic and not just garlic powder.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Olive Oil:\u00a0<\/strong>Use whatever you have on hand, but don\u2019t sub canola oil or vegetable oil.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lemon Juice:\u00a0<\/strong>I know I sound like a broken record, but again, fresh is essential here. Don\u2019t sub bottle lemon juice.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vinegar:<\/strong>\u00a0In a pinch, use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Granulated Sugar:\u00a0<\/strong>Balances the acidity in the salad dressing without making it sweet.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Salt and Pepper:\u00a0<\/strong>I like to use crushed red pepper flakes, but feel free to use black pepper instead. Both work great.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Make Pasta Salad<\/h2>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make the Italian Dressing:\u00a0<\/strong>Place the basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until smooth. There should be no large chunks of anything! Set aside or in the fridge until needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cook the Pasta:<\/strong>\u00a0Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook until al dente, then drain the pasta. To help it cool down quickly, you\u2019ll need to rinse it under cold water until cool.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Prep the Salad Ingredients:<\/strong>\u00a0In the meantime, prep the remaining salad ingredients. You\u2019ll want to slice the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the basil and red onion. Remove the mozzarella cheese balls from the oil and set them aside, too.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Grab a Large Bowl:<\/strong>\u00a0Combine the cooled pasta, with the Italian salad dressing and toss. Toss in the tomatoes, onion, fresh herbs, and cheese and toss well.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Small bowl of pasta salad.\" class=\"wp-image-64916\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205.jpg 1200w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Small bowl of pasta salad.\" class=\"wp-image-64916\" data-jpibfi-post-excerpt=\"\" data-jpibfi-post-url=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\" data-jpibfi-post-title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\" data-jpibfi-src=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Pasta-Salad-205.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I Make Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes! In fact, I think it tastes best after 24 hours in the fridge. It allows the flavors to mingle and develop.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, who doesn\u2019t love a big bowl of Italian pasta salad waiting for them in their fridge?! If you\u2019re going to make this pasta salad in advance, just be sure to cook your pasta al dente. Overcooked noodles will quickly get mushy in this salad, and that would be a shame! I find 7 to 8 minutes at a full boil is usually perfect \u2013 but this will vary depending on the variety and brand of pasta you choose.<\/p>\n<p>While we\u2019re on the subject of the pasta salad dressing, you can make that ahead of time, too! Just be sure to cover it well and store it in the fridge.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Store Pasta Salad<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you\u2019re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Sometimes I make a batch at the beginning of the week so I can enjoy a bowl everyday for lunch.<\/li>\n<li>I like keeping this recipe very simple and vegetarian friendly! But feel free to bulk it up by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.<\/li>\n<li>Or add more veggies like broccoli, arugula, or avocado. It\u2019s very adaptable! Made as is, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, BBQ\u2019s, and other outdoor Summer events. Just stir it every so often to keep it looking fresh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you Freeze Pasta Salad?<\/h2>\n<p>Sadly, the answer to this question is no. I mean, you can technically freeze anything. But you shouldn\u2019t freeze pasta salad. It will emerge from your freezer soggy and very unappetizing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Inspring Pasta Salad Recipes:<\/h2>\n<p><!--<rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/02\/22-rdf-syntax-ns#\"\n\t\t\txmlns:dc=\"http:\/\/purl.org\/dc\/elements\/1.1\/\"\n\t\t\txmlns:trackback=\"http:\/\/madskills.com\/public\/xml\/rss\/module\/trackback\/\">\n\t\t<rdf:Description rdf:about=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\"\n    dc:identifier=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/\"\n    dc:title=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing)\"\n    trackback:ping=\"https:\/\/bakerbynature.com\/garlicky-tomato-basil-pasta-salad\/trackback\/\" \/>\n<\/rdf:RDF>-->\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you don\u2019t have a big bowl of this easy pasta salad in your fridge\u2026 you\u2019re missing out! It\u2019s the easiest quick lunch\/dinner.side-dish ever! You\u2019ll love this pasta salad recipe because it makes a huge bowl, tastes incredible, and is easily adaptable. Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and Italian dressing, it\u2019s the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":240529,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135],"tags":[1659,663,88505,1800,88507,12896,61744,88506,15569,23777],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-240528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-baking-category-a-b","tag-dinner","tag-dressing","tag-easy-dinner","tag-italian","tag-mayofree","tag-pasta","tag-pasta-recipes","tag-pasta-salad-recipes","tag-salad","tag-summer-recipes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing) - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=240528\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Best Italian Pasta Salad (Mayo-Free Dressing) - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you don\u2019t have a big bowl of this easy pasta salad in your fridge\u2026 you\u2019re missing out! It\u2019s the easiest quick lunch\/dinner.side-dish ever! You\u2019ll love this pasta salad recipe because it makes a huge bowl, tastes incredible, and is easily adaptable. 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