Looking for a refreshing and delicious dish to beat the summer heat? This simple Sunshine Pasta Salad will brighten up your meal! It's a light and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Made with tri-color rotini, cheddar cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and mini pepperonis, it's tossed in a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.

It's a light and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish for your weeknight dinner.

Explore our collection of tasty side dish recipes that will bring everyone to the table and make mealtime a breeze!

Add some sunshine to your meal plan with our Sunshine Pasta Salad! It’s a great make ahead option that’s perfect for lunch or busy nights.

Give this colorful dish a try and enjoy a delicious, refreshing salad that’s sure to impress!

Looking for more summer salads? Try my Fresh Tomatoes and Pasta, Creamy Pasta Salad, and even my Oma Behr's German Cucumber Salad. Yum!

Table of Contents

Recipe Notes
Best bottled dressing for pasta salad?
Can I use a different type of pasta?
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Main Ingredients Needed
Substitutions and Variations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Tip
How long does the pasta salad need to chill?
Before you Begin!
Dishes to Serve Alongside Your Pasta Salad
Storage and Reheating Instructions
More Recipes You'll Love!
📖 Recipe Card
💬 Comments

Recipe Notes

This pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours helps the flavors meld together, making it an excellent option for busy days.

Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients such as olives, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Give the pasta salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure every bite is flavorful. If it seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of vinegar to loosen it up.

Best bottled dressing for pasta salad?

If you didn't want to use the olive oil and vinegar dressing I used for this salad, you could use your favorite bottled dressing. Try a classic Italian dressing with a balance of herbs, spices, and acidity.

Two other options might be the sweet and tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar dressing or a Caesar dressing.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tri-color rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. For a heartier option, try the recipe using cheese tortellini.

🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools

Extra Large Salad Serving Bowl Set with Wooden Lid & Utensils Selamica Porcelain 40oz Large Bowls 9 inch Big Pasta Salad Bowls, Microwave and Oven Safe, Colorful, Set of 6 Bentgo® All-in-One Salad Container - Large Salad Bowl, Bento Box Tray, Leak-Proof Sauce Container, Airtight Lid, & Fork for Healthy Adult Lunches; BPA-Free & Dishwasher/Microwave Safe (Blush Marble)Tablecraft Salad Dressing Shaker, Glass with Plastic & Metal Pour Spout Top, Clear

Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute tri-color rotini with regular rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle.

If you don’t have sun dried tomatoes, you can omit them or replace them with chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.

Customize the salad with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, or cucumber.

Cut regular pepperoni into quarters if you don't have mini pepperonis.

Step-by-Step Instructions

tri color pasta, mini pepperoni, cheese cubes mixed together in a clear bowl

Step 1: Toss the pasta with the water, olive oil, and vinegar. Stir in the cheese cubes, mini pepperoni, and sun dried tomatoes.

Quick Tip

For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente, since overcooking can lead to a mushy salad.

Step 2: Season the pasta salad with the salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout.

pasta salad being mixed in a clear bowl.

Step 3: Refrigerate for about 6 hours to chill the salad and allow it to marinate.

How long does the pasta salad need to chill?

For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for about 6 hours. This allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to fully develop.

Sunshine Pasta Salad served on a white plate

Before you Begin!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

Dishes to Serve Alongside Your Pasta Salad

This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes like grilled chicken, sandwiches, or at summer bbq. It's also a filling and satisfying meal all on its own!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-5 days.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze any type of pasta salad, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

More Recipes You'll Love!

Check out my other recipes for Side Dishes for Chicken Cutlets.
Or you might enjoy this recipe for Crab Pasta Salad.

plate of Sunshine Pasta Salad on a teal and white checkered cloth.

📖 Recipe Card

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