Chimichurri Pasta Salad
This cold chimichurri pasta salad is a bold, herb-packed twist on traditional pasta salad, made with homemade chimichurri sauce, crisp veggies, bacon, and queso fresco. It’s fresh, easy to prep ahead, and perfect served cold for potlucks, cookouts, or weeknight dinners.
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 377kcal
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley packed, stems and leaves
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup olive oil
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 ounces rotini pasta cooked and rinsed with cold water
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped small
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes quartered
- 1/2 cup red onion diced small
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 4 ounces queso fresco crumbled
- 1 batch of chimichurri sauce from above
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri:
- In a food processor, add parsley, garlic, onion, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse for about 5 seconds, scrape down the sides, and pulse again. You want a chopped texture, not a paste. Transfer to a bowl and stir in olive oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook rotini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, corn, red pepper, tomatoes, red onion, bacon, queso fresco, and chimichurri sauce. Mix until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Stir before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best served cold or at room temperature.
- If the salad dries out after chilling, refresh with a small splash of olive oil or extra chimichurri.
- Rotini holds the sauce well, but bowtie, penne, or fusilli also work.
- Queso fresco can be swapped for crumbled feta or left out for a dairy-free version.
- Great as a side dish or light main or try adding grilled chicken or steak to bulk it up.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 377kcal