Herby, Garlicky Pasta Salad Recipe

You’ll often crave a fresh and flavorful pasta salad

A perfect side dish for warm-weather events, simple weekday dinners, or satisfying lunch prep is this herby, garlicky pasta salad. Bursting with brilliant herbs, soft pasta, and a garlicky vinaigrette clinging to every mouthful, this dish is fresh, filling, and shockingly simple to prepare.

This pasta salad is great on taste and simplicity, whether your event is a BBQ, picnic, or just something that stores nicely in the refrigerator. Always a crowd-pleaser, this colorful, adaptable meal is vegetarian-friendly and easily customized.

Why You’ll Love This Herby, Garlicky Pasta Salad

The strong taste and fresh herb-forward aspect of this pasta salad distinguishes it. While fresh parsley, basil, and dill add garden-fresh flavors, garlic aficionados will value the zing of raw and roasted garlic. Thanks to the filling pasta and spicy homemade dressing, it is the ideal mix of heavy and light.

This dish is also quite adaptable; you may incorporate feta, chickpeas, or vegetables to thicken it up or replace herbs depending on what’s in season. Warm, room temperature, or cold is just as tasty. It also keeps wonderfully, which makes it perfect for on-demand eating or travel.

This recipe is sure to win hearts (and appetites), whether you’re serving a family or wowing visitors.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best Herby, Garlicky Pasta Salad:

Pasta (12 oz): Short shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle hold dressing well.
Fresh herbs: A blend of parsley, basil, and dill (about 1 cup total, chopped). Mint or cilantro can also work for a twist.
Garlic: 3 cloves minced + 1 roasted clove for depth.
Olive oil (1/3 cup): Use extra-virgin for best flavor.
Red wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds tang. You can sub lemon juice for a citrusy note.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Optional, but adds juiciness.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): For crunch and freshness.
Salt & pepper: To taste.
Optional add-ins: Crumbled feta, olives, chickpeas, or avocado.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Serves 6)

Calories: 310
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 190mg

Note: Nutrition values will vary based on exact ingredients and any optional add-ins.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly al dente pasta holds up better in salads.
Use fresh herbs – Dried herbs won’t bring the same brightness.
Let it marinate – The flavor deepens after sitting for 30–60 minutes.
Balance the garlic – Raw garlic adds zing, roasted garlic adds mellow depth.
Customize with add-ins – Roasted veggies, grilled chicken, or nuts add texture and protein.

Make-Ahead Tips

This pasta salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better the next day! If preparing in advance:

Cook the pasta al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Store dressing separately if making more than a day ahead to avoid soggy pasta.
Add herbs and delicate ingredients last, just before serving, to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Chill overnight to let flavors meld, but bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Stir well before serving, as the dressing can settle at the bottom.

With these tips, this pasta salad becomes the perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks, meal prepping, or entertaining.

Expert Tips for Better Pasta Salad

Layer Your Flavors: Start with a strong base—well-salted pasta water gives your noodles taste from the inside out. Don’t overlook this step; it’s the secret to creating really delicious, even simple, pasta.

Dress While Warm: While the pasta is still only mildly warm, toss it with some of the dressing. The warmth makes the noodles more likely to absorb the ingredients, therefore enhancing the taste of your salad. Add the remaining once it cools to keep freshness intact.

Go Seasonally: Select fresh, in-season herbs. Spring begs for parsley and dill; summer cries basil and mint; fall may request arugula or chives. This makes the salad interesting and varied every time you prepare it.