Nina Johnson
Light, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors, Angel Hair Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or an easy weekday lunch. The delicate strands of angel hair pasta are tossed with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and savory olives, creating a delightful balance of textures and tastes in every forkful.
This pasta salad comes together quickly, making it ideal for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy carrots, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it offers both comfort and refreshment in one satisfying bowl.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
For this recipe, angel hair pasta is the star. Its fine, thin strands soak up the dressing beautifully and pair well with chopped vegetables. While you could substitute with spaghetti or thin linguine in a pinch, angel hair offers a more delicate, light feel that’s perfect for a salad.
Ingredients for the Angel Hair Pasta Salad
- Angel hair pasta: Provides a light, airy base that holds the dressing without becoming heavy.
- Cherry tomatoes: Add a juicy pop of sweetness and color.
- Black olives: Offer a salty, briny contrast to the fresh veggies.
- Shredded carrots: Bring crunch and a mild sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a crisp bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, nutty depth to the dish.
- Italian dressing: Ties everything together with zesty, herby flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Finishes the salad with a burst of green and freshness.
How To Make the Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, shred the carrots (or use pre-shredded), and finely dice the red bell pepper. Chop the fresh parsley and set aside.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, olives, carrots, bell pepper, and parsley. Pour in the Italian dressing and gently toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Chill
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the salad and toss lightly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Serving and Storing Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Serve this salad chilled, straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the flavors to shine. It’s a lovely side dish for grilled meats or a satisfying main for a light lunch. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
You can substitute with a homemade vinaigrette made of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water and toss it with a little dressing or olive oil before mixing with the veggies.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Definitely. Just make sure to choose a sturdy gluten-free pasta that holds up well in salads.
Want More Pasta Salad Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Angel Hair Pasta Salad, you might love these other fresh and creative recipes:
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a buttery, zesty pasta dish.
- Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta if you crave rich, savory flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a family-favorite dinner.
- Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites for nostalgic comfort food.
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I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you try adding protein or a homemade dressing? Leave a comment and let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.
Angel Hair Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + 30 min chill
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta Salad
Description
Light, fresh, and packed with vibrant flavors, Angel Hair Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or an easy weekday lunch. Tossed with crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and savory olives, it’s a refreshing and satisfying option.
Ingredients
250 g angel hair pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian dressing
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Halve cherry tomatoes, slice black olives, shred carrots, dice red bell pepper, and chop parsley.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, olives, carrots, bell pepper, and parsley. Add Italian dressing and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan over the salad and toss lightly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor.
Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
Make sure to rinse the pasta well to avoid sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
