Bring color, crunch, and crowd-pleasing flavor to your summer gathering with this Patriotic Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant vegetables, creamy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, this festive salad is perfect for your 4th of July spread.
Jump to Recipe
It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and best served chilled for a refreshing addition to your barbecue or picnic table.
This pasta is cooked differently from the air-fried pasta, and slightly different from the preparation of the Elote pasta.
PRO TIPS for the Best Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water: It’s the best way to ensure the pasta is flavorful from the start.
- Don’t skip the cold rinse: This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta firm and refreshing.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors come together beautifully.
- Use sturdy pasta shapes: Bowtie, rotini, or penne hold up well and grab onto the dressing.
Personalising the Recipe
The beauty of pasta salad is how easy it is to tailor to your taste or dietary needs.
Swap in mozzarella pearls instead of feta, add chickpeas for extra protein, or toss in fresh herbs like basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
For a festive twist, you can add blueberries or use tricolor pasta to emphasize the red, white, and blue theme.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- Bowtie pasta – Holds its shape and catches dressing beautifully
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Cucumber, diced
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh arugula, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Black pepper
For the Dressing
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard – Adds depth and a mild tang
- Salt and pepper, to taste
See the recipe card for the measurements.
Patriotic Pasta Salad Recipe
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta completely.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified.
Mix the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, red onion, arugula, feta, and parsley.
Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or festive toppings like blueberries or flag-themed décor if desired.
Different Methods of Preparation
No baking is needed, but you can elevate this dish by grilling your vegetables for a smoky twist.
For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
You can also make this gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta alternative.
Also, you can adapt this keto-friendly pasta recipe.
Different Methods of Serving
- Serve in a large glass bowl to showcase the color layers
- Present it in mini mason jars or cups for easy grab-and-go portions
- Arrange toppings in stripes or stars to mimic the American flag for a themed table centerpiece
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Due to the fresh vegetables and cheese, this salad does not freeze well.
Pasta Salad FAQ’s
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better when made a few hours in advance and chilled, allowing the flavors to develop.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Rotini, fusilli, penne, or shells all work well.
What vegetables can I substitute?
Zucchini, carrots, corn, or even blanched green beans are great additions or swaps.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead lunch or side dish that holds up well in the fridge for a few days.
Patriotic Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ½ cup red onion chopped
- 1 cup arugula chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ⅓ cup parsley chopped
- 1½ tsp salt for water
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with vegetables, feta, and parsley.
- Add dressing and toss gently.
- Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Serve cold.
This Patriotic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a 4th of July party or just want something light and festive for summer, this recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious. Customize it to your liking and make it a new holiday tradition.
