I've made dozens of pasta salads, but this fresh, herb-flecked one is my favorite. Readers love it too. It’s always our most popular 4th of July recipe!
The 4th of July is coming up this week, and I’m busy planning what to make for my family’s cookout. I still haven’t decided between these veggie burgers and these black bean burgers, between grilled asparagus and grilled zucchini, but I know one thing for certain: my go-to pasta salad will be on the menu.
If you’ve been following for a while, you know that I like to share at least one new pasta salad recipe every summer. I love coming up with fun, flavorful combinations of veggies, herbs, a cheese, and a dressing, with a just-right pasta shape thrown into the mix.
But that doesn’t stop me from returning to old favorites.
I’ve come back to this easy pasta salad recipe time and time again. I love how fresh it is, with three different herbs adding a burst of summer flavor. I also use herbes de Provence in the bright lemon dressing, and I toss in a big handful of arugula for a vibrant finishing touch.
I’ve made it for the 4th of July many times, and I know I’m not the only one. This pasta salad has been our most popular recipe on July 4 ever since I first shared it back in 2019.
Here’s why readers love it:
- Valentina wrote, “WOW! I’ve been on the lookout for a healthy, good-tasting pasta salad, and this NAILS IT! The herbs make it very flavorful and fresh. Love it.”
- Meadow commented, “Dressing is perfect for the ingredients! Absolutely the best light but filling herby summer pasta salad.”
- And Jennifer wrote, “I seriously love this pasta salad! Packs a big flavor punch and you can adapt it as you like. Healthy and super fresh-tasting.”
If you need a crowd-pleasing side dish for your 4th of July menu, you can’t beat this recipe. It’s flavorful, make-ahead friendly, and always a hit.
Get the recipe:
Want to make this pasta salad? Here are a few tips:
- Get ahead. Like all the best cookout recipes, this pasta salad holds up well if you make it ahead. Prep it up to 2 days in advance. Just save a few fresh herbs to add right before serving.
- Season to taste before serving. If you prep this salad ahead, it might need an extra pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a splash of lemon juice after it chills in the fridge.
- Make it your own. So many readers have made this salad their own! Try tossing in artichoke hearts, bell peppers, olives, or whatever you love in your pasta salad.
