This That More

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact Us
×
Home » Recipes » Meal Types

TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Published: Oct 21, 2022 · Modified: Feb 9, 2025 by Gari · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

72 shares
  • 40
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

This Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipe is not only easy & vibrant, but it is also a delicious Summer treat. I make it by tossing cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onions, and radish with homemade Tahini Dressing.

Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipe garnished with red chili flakes.

This salad is a perfect food for any picnic or outdoor fun. It is colorful and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. It is filled with all the colorful ingredients & tastes incredible every single time.

Apart from being the salad so flavorful, it is also so vibrant & colorful. Just like this Pasta Salad, Thai Noodle Salad is also my favorite. Also, this Orzo Pasta Salad is quite popular at my home. And who doesn't like a good & simple Pesto Pasta? Sometimes I also love to have Indian Chickpea Salad, as it is bursting with flavors.

The post contains Helpful Tips & Tricks to make a Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipe. But if you're in a hurry, you can also click "Jump to Recipe' under the Heading to go directly to the Recipe Card or click Recipe Card from the Table of Contents below.

Jump to:
  • WHAT IS TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD?
  • WHY YOU'LL LIKE THIS RECIPE
  • INGREDIENTS
  • STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
  • TOP TIPS
  • STORAGE
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • OTHER SALAD RECIPES
  • TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD RECIPE

WHAT IS TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD?

Tricolor Pasta Salad is nothing but 3 or more colored pasta. The cooked pasta is then combined with veggies and the Dressing of your choice. You can serve it hot or cold as a main dish or as a side.

You don't need to make it by using different colors of pasta. But instead, you can use colorful rotini pasta. Or you can use Trader Joe's Trofie Colore that I have used in the recipe. The box has 3-4 colored pasta, and I love its flavor.

You can use the pasta with your choice of veggies like onion, olives, bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, spinach, or arugula. Then, you can flavor it with Italian Dressing, Caesar Dressing, or Greek Dressing.

They taste good hot or cold. You can serve it as a main dish on Summer picnics or BBQs or as a side with some protein or grilled veggies.

WHY YOU'LL LIKE THIS RECIPE

  1. Gets Ready in No Time: This Tricolor Pasta Salad recipe is a winner as it gets ready in under 20 minutes.
  2. Easy: It is easy and can be made with basic ingredients like onion, cucumber, tomatoes, greens, and the Dressing of your choice.
  3. Colorful: It is bright and vibrant and always a popular Summer recipe. More the veggie in the salad, the salad will turn more delicious.
  4. Party Food: Can be made into party food by serving at picnics or BBQs.
List of ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

  1. PASTA: I have used Tricolor Rotini Pasta for this recipe. They are spiral-shaped and go great in any recipe. This pasta salad also goes great with Farfalle Pasta, Rotini Pasta, or Cellentani Pasta.
  2. VEGGIES: Summer Salad is incomplete without the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Also, toss some red onions, arugula, radish, bell pepper, or any other veggies of your choosing.
  3. OLIVES: Choose a can of olives or head to the olive bar in your grocery store. Get pitted olives like Kalamata Olives for the recipe.
  4. ADD-ONS: You can add cilantro, parsley, red chili flakes, etc., for the garnish and extra flavoring.
  5. DRESSING: You can make a dressing of your own or make a store-bought dressing. Tastes better with some lemony Greek Salad dressing or Talian Dressing. I have used Tahini Dressing that I have made with Tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, sesame seeds,
  • See the recipe card for quantities.
Tricolor Pasta Salad served in a white bowl.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

How to Cook Pasta

BOIL THE PASTA: Add pasta to the instant pot and cover them with water. Pressure cook for 4-5 minutes or as per packet instructions. (Note: Pressure Cook Timer depends on the pasta. Check the instruction on the pasta bag. Divide the cooking time by half (½) and -1. That is, Cook Time for pasta is 12. Divided by ½= 6. Then -1= 6-1=5).

Add pasta in the pot and boil.
Once pasta is boiled, strain .

Or you also boil the pasta on the stovetop. Then, add pasta to boiling water. And cook for 8-9 minutes or as per instructions.

Once the pasta is boiled, strain the water. You can use a strainer to drain out the water from the pasta.

Dressing:

Add dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Make the Dressing by whisking Tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup/honey, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and salt & pepper until smooth and lump-free.

Let the Dressing sit for 10-15 minutes to combine all the flavors appropriately.

Serving:

Top the pasta with veggies in a salad bowl.
Pour the dressing.
Stir the ingredients until well combined.

Transfer pasta to a salad bowl. Add onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, radish, and cucumbers.

Toss the Dressing with pasta and veggies until all the ingredients are combined correctly.

Finally, adjust the flavors and serve.

Tricolor Pasta served with some red chili flakes.

TOP TIPS

  1. Make sure that pasta is well cooked and al dente.
  2. You can soak the cooked pasta in cold water to make a cold pasta salad.
  3. Cut the veggies into the same size.
  4. Add a lot of colorful and crunchy veggies to make this salad irresistible.
  5. You can rub some olive oil or sesame oil to avoid sticking.
  6. Let the Dressing sit for 10-15 minutes. That way, the flavors will blend more appropriately.

STORAGE

You can store this Tricolor Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Having a tricolor pasta salad on a white plate with a fork.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT TO SERVE PASTA SALAD WITH?

You can serve this Pasta Salad with burgers, sandwiches, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, grilled protein, pineapple, and many more.

SHOULD YOU RINSE PASTA FOR COLD PASTA SALAD?

Usually, when you make pasta, it is recommended not to rinse the pasta. But when making a cold pasta salad, rinse the pasta with icy cold water. The cooking process will stop when you rinse the pasta with cold water.

WHAT TO ADD TO PASTA SALAD?

You can add any veggies of your choice. Onion, bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, etc., works great in any salad. You can also add spinach or arugula. Roasted asparagus, olives, and feta cheese are good salad options.

Should I make Pasta Salad the night before?

Yes, you can definitely make the pasta salad the night before. But first, make the salad and store it in the refrigerator. That way, the flavors will combine more appropriately.

A spoonful of triolor pasta salad recipe.

OTHER SALAD RECIPES

  • THAI NOODLE SALAD WITH PEANUT SAUCE
  • INDIAN CHICKPEA SALAD
  • ORZO PASTA SALAD
  • BEETS SALAD
  • QUINOA SALAD
  • SUMMER ROLLS

Rate it by clicking the stars below if you liked the recipe. However, if you want to check what is new in my kitchen, check out my Instagram & Facebook.

A spoonful of triolor pasta salad recipe.

TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Gari
This Tricolor Pasta Salad Recipe is not only easy & vibrant, but it is also a delicious Summer treat. I make it by tossing cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onions, and radish with homemade Tahini Dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Share by Email Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Resting Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 284 kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot
Mixing Bowl
Whisk
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

How to cook Pasta:

  • Instant Pot: Add pasta to the instant pot and cover them with water. Pressure cook for 4-5 minutes or as per packet instructions. When the timer beeps, Quick Release the pressure by turning the vent to the venting position.
    (Note: Pressure Cook Timer depends on the pasta. Check the instruction on the pasta bag. Divide the cooking time by half (½) and -1. That is, Cook Time for pasta is 12. Divided by ½= 6. Then -1= 6-1=5).
    Stove-Top: Add 1 cup of Pasta in boiling water. And boil for 8-9 minutes or as per instructions.
  • Strain the leftover water and transfer the pasta to a salad bowl.
    (Note: You can also add pasta to the cold icy water. This will stop the cooking process and will not stick).

Tahini Dressing:

  • Make the dressing by whisking Tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup/honey, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and salt & pepper until smooth and lump-free.

Serving:

  • Transfer pasta to a salad bowl. Add onion, tomatoes, bell pepper, radish, and cucumbers.
  • Toss the dressing with pasta and veggies until all the ingredients are combined correctly.
  • Adjust the flavors and serve immediately.

Video

Nutrition Facts
TRICOLOR PASTA SALAD RECIPE
Amount per Serving
Calories
 
284
Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Sodium
 
36
mg
2
%
Potassium
 
300
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
38
g
13
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
9
g
18
%
Vitamin A
 
239
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
 
10
mg
12
%
Calcium
 
52
mg
5
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Rate this Recipe
Keyword Pasta Salad, Salad, Summer Recipe, TRICOLRO PASTA SALAD RECIPE, vegetarian
Tried this recipe?Mention @thisthatmoreworld or tag #thisthatmore!
For other Food Videos!Check out ThisThatMore!

OTHER RECIPES TO TRY

  • this is a featured image of air fryer corn ribs
    EASY AIR FRYER GOCHUJANG CORN RIBS
  • SWEET POTATO NACHOS
    SWEET POTATO NACHOS
  • steamed bao buns
    STEAMED BAO BUNS
  • SPROUTED GREEN LENTILS & GREEN LENTILS CHAAT

Other Summer Recipes -->

More Meal Types

  • A white bowl with potatoes and green onions
    SMASHED POTATO SALAD
  • A close up shot of carrot halwa with khoya in a spoon.
    CARROT HALWA WITH KHOYA
  • Image showing dollop of butter added to stack of gobi parathas.
    GOBI PARATHA RECIPE (STUFFED CAULIFLOWER PARATHA)
  • Aloo Tikki Burger served with potato fries on a black plate.
    ALOO TIKKI BURGER

Sharing is caring!

72 shares
  • 40
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Hey, I'm Gari!

Hi, I'm Gari. Welcome to my Blog, where curiosity meets creativity! I am a content creator and food photographer. Thanks for stopping by. Let's explore, learn, and innovate together!

Meet Gari

Spring Recipes

New Recipes

  • Image of closeup shot of gujiya recipe placed over rose petals.
    GUJIYA RECIPE

  • Image showing thandai masala in a mason jar with the golden spoon.
    THANDAI POWDER

  • Featured image of tandoori paneer tikka served in a olive green bowl with sliced onions.
    TANDOORI PANEER TIKKA

  • Image of Punjabi samosa with one open samosa.
    PUNJABI SAMOSA RECIPE

Footer

↑ back to top

ABOUT

  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

COOKING

  • 40+ VEGETARIAN SUMMER RECIPES
  • INSTANT POT RICE RECIPES

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

COPYRIGHT © 2025 THIS THAT MORE

72 shares
  • 40Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
  • Mix
  • Threads

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.