Are you ready to give your usual pasta salad a zesty, crave-worthy twist? Meet Banana Pepper Pasta Salad, a bowlful of summertime sunshine bursting with tangy banana peppers, fresh veggies, creamy feta, and a luxuriously tangy dressing. Every bite promises crunch, brightness, and creamy richness—all wrapped up in a dish that’s just as perfect for a picnic as it is for a weeknight dinner. This is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a go-to favorite, delivering flavor, color, and good vibes every single time.

Banana Pepper Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of easy, everyday ingredients come together to create such a flavor bomb! Every item adds a unique splash of color, texture, or zing to this Banana Pepper Pasta Salad—no fillers, just the good stuff that makes each bite sing.

Rotini or fusilli pasta (12 oz): The swirly shape is perfect for trapping dressing and little bits of veggies in every forkful.
Banana peppers (1 cup, sliced): These are the star! Choose mild or hot depending on your crowd—expect a bold tang that wakes up the dish.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy and sweet, they add bursts of freshness and a splash of red to your salad bowl.
Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): For a crisp, slightly sharp bite that balances all the creamy and tangy flavors.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Cool, crunchy, and ultra-refreshing—this is the ultimate summer salad addition.
Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced): Add a briny, salty note that plays beautifully with the feta and veggies.
Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Creamy, salty, and slightly tangy—feta takes this salad to another level of deliciousness.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Delivers creamy body to the dressing and helps everything come together.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Lightens up the mayo and gives your dressing a bright, tangy edge.
White wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds sharp acidity for balance and zing with every taste.
Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Lends a gentle kick and ties the dressing flavors together seamlessly.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances every ingredient—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a hint of warmth and spice that ties the whole salad together.
Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): Brings a herbal, summery kiss to the finish—highly recommended if you’re a dill fan!

How to Make Banana Pepper Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the rotini or fusilli and cook until perfectly al dente—usually about a minute less than the package suggests. Drain well and immediately rinse under cold water. This not only stops the cooking process but also ensures your Banana Pepper Pasta Salad isn’t weighed down by hot, soggy noodles. Cool pasta is the secret to crisp, fresh salads.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Cheese

While your pasta cools, grab a big mixing bowl and add all your chopped veggies: those zippy banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, cooling cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, olives, and the crumbled feta. These not only add flavor and crunch but pack this salad with gorgeous color, making it a true show-stopper.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whip together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You’re aiming for a dressing that’s creamy, well-blended, and lively—taste as you go and adjust any seasoning if you like it bolder!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add your cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the veggies and cheese. Pour over the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every twist of pasta and every vegetable chunk gets a coating of that dreamy, tangy sauce. If you’re using fresh dill (which I highly recommend for a herby kick) stir it in now.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover your bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this step lets the flavors mingle, mellow, and become even more delicious. The wait is always worth it, as the Banana Pepper Pasta Salad gets better and brighter with a little time to rest.

Step 6: Stir and Garnish Before Serving

Right before you serve, give your salad a gentle stir to reawaken the flavors. Top with a few extra banana peppers, some more fresh herbs, or a little extra feta if you’re feeling fancy. And voilà, your irresistible Banana Pepper Pasta Salad is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Banana Pepper Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A handful of fresh dill, basil, or extra banana pepper rings is always a beautiful (and tasty) finishing touch. Even a sprinkle of extra feta or a dash of black pepper just before serving adds those final flavor pops that make this dish extra special.

Side Dishes

Banana Pepper Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with simple grilled proteins like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu skewers. Or, try it alongside fresh crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine—the perfect combo for a lazy afternoon or a lively potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in mason jars or small bowls for a picnic, or present the entire salad on a big leafy platter for a party centerpiece. Layering the ingredients in a trifle dish shows off all those vibrant colors, guaranteed to make everyone’s mouth water before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Pepper Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great chilled and will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing—creamy dressings and fresh veggies tend to lose their texture when thawed. If you want to prep in advance, you can chop all the vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time, storing them separately until you’re ready to toss and serve.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Banana Pepper Pasta Salad is at its best served cold or at room temperature, making it incredibly convenient for meal prep, parties, or quick lunches.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short, sturdy shapes like penne, bowties, or shells work beautifully if you don’t have rotini or fusilli on hand. The important thing is to use a pasta that holds the creamy dressing and isn’t too delicate.

How spicy will the Banana Pepper Pasta Salad be?

It all depends on the type of banana peppers you use! Mild banana peppers add tang without too much heat, but if you opt for hot ones, you’ll get a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount or mix mild and hot to control the spice level to your taste.

Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

Yes! Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream or use a light mayonnaise if you prefer, and try adding extra veggies to up the crunch factor. The Banana Pepper Pasta Salad will still be creamy, zesty, and full of flavor with these substitutions.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely. Simply use your favorite vegan mayo and a plant-based sour cream or yogurt, then leave out the feta or replace it with a vegan feta alternative. The salad will still have lots of tang and crunch!

How far in advance can I make Banana Pepper Pasta Salad?

You can make it up to a day in advance; in fact, letting it rest gives all the flavors time to mingle and intensify. Just be sure to give it a good toss and add any delicate garnishes right before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that’s bright, bold, and brimming with personality, it’s time to whip up this Banana Pepper Pasta Salad. There’s just something about that tangy, creamy combo that keeps people coming back for more, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat. Give it a try, share it with your friends and family, and get ready for a new summer favorite!

Banana Pepper Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Banana Pepper Pasta Salad is a refreshing and tangy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. The combination of pasta, crunchy vegetables, tangy banana peppers, and creamy dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, banana peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss to coat evenly.
Add Dill: Mix in chopped dill if desired.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to meld flavors.
Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with extra banana peppers or herbs.

Notes

You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Feel free to adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot banana peppers.
This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American