If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, light, and easy-to-make meal or side dish, then look no further than this Angel Hair Pasta Salad. This dish combines the delicate strands of angel hair pasta with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors to create a quick and satisfying recipe perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a casual get-together, Angel Hair Pasta Salad always shines as a refreshing and simple crowd-pleaser that’s both flavorful and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
Light and Refreshing: Uses simple, fresh ingredients that make it feel vibrant, not heavy.
Versatility: Easily customized to match your taste, dietary needs, or seasonal produce.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners alike.
Easy Cleanup: Minimal ingredients and steps mean less time in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect Angel Hair Pasta Salad, balancing texture, flavor, and color. From the tender pasta to the crisp veggies, every element is fresh yet straightforward, making this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Angel Hair Pasta: The star of the dish, its thin strands absorb dressings well while keeping a delicate texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and slight coolness.
Red Onion: Offers a mild sharpness that balances the salad’s sweetness.
Fresh Basil: Brings aromatic herbal notes that complement the freshness.
Olive Oil: The perfect base for the dressing, adding richness and smoothness.
Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity that lifts the flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty finish to the salad for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations for Angel Hair Pasta Salad

The beauty of Angel Hair Pasta Salad lies in how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or prefer in your diet. Customize it with these variations that keep the core simple but bring different personalities to the dish.

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Vegan Friendly: Skip the cheese and use a tahini or avocado-based dressing for creamy texture.
Seasonal Veggies: Swap cucumbers for bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted asparagus to suit the season.
Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for added heat.
Herbal Mix: Experiment with mint, cilantro, or parsley to shift the flavor profile.

Easy Angel Hair Pasta Salad Recipes to Try

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the angel hair pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 2 to 3 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Finely chop fresh basil, saving a little for garnishing later.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together good quality olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The ratio is usually about 3 parts oil to 1 part lemon juice, but feel free to adjust based on your taste.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled angel hair pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix everything so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Pro Tips for Making Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Prevent Clumping: Rinsing the pasta after cooking keeps it from sticking and cools it quickly.
Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
Dressing Balance: Adjust acidity with lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the salad.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 20 minutes helps flavors meld beautifully.
Use Quality Olive Oil: A good olive oil enhances the salad’s richness and overall taste.

How to Serve Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or freshly shaved Parmesan add an attractive and flavorful garnish that brightens up the presentation of this salad.

Side Dishes

Angel Hair Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad, making it a versatile accompaniment to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta salad in individual mason jars for picnics or layer it in clear bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Angel Hair Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It maintains freshness well but is best enjoyed soon after preparation.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze angel hair pasta salad because the texture of fresh vegetables and pasta can become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If desired, bring it to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is delicate and cooks quickly, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or small shapes like orzo for a slightly different texture.

How long does Angel Hair Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the pasta and veggies may lose their texture and flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, Angel Hair Pasta Salad can be made in advance. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess, and mix them together just before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based dressing or extra olive oil and lemon juice to keep it vegan-friendly.

What are good additions to turn this salad into a main course?

Adding proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, beans, or shrimp can easily transform the Angel Hair Pasta Salad into a hearty and satisfying main dish.

Final Thoughts

Angel Hair Pasta Salad is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again thanks to its simplicity, fresh flavors, and endless adaptability. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or hosting friends, this salad’s delicate pasta and vibrant ingredients make it a standout choice. So grab your ingredients, try out the recipe, and enjoy a dish that’s just as delightful to eat as it is easy to make.

Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish combining delicate angel hair pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for quick meals, picnics, or potlucks, offering versatility and vibrant flavors with minimal effort.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

8 oz angel hair pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp salt, or to taste
¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste

Optional

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of angel hair pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until al dente. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Prepare Fresh Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, thinly slice ¼ cup of red onion, and finely chop ¼ cup of fresh basil. Set aside a small amount of basil for garnish.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, keeping a roughly 3:1 oil to lemon juice ratio.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled angel hair pasta with the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and chopped basil. Pour the dressing over and gently mix to evenly coat all ingredients.
Add Final Touches: Optionally, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired. Garnish with reserved fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Rinsing the pasta after cooking prevents clumping and stops the cooking process.
Use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Adjust the acidity of the dressing gradually with lemon juice to avoid overpowering the salad.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the richness and flavor of the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 5 mg

Keywords: Angel Hair Pasta Salad, pasta salad, light pasta salad, summer salad, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta dish, picnic salad