Mary Berry Pasta Salad Recipe

The Mary Berry Pasta Salad is a simple yet flavourful dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. It combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy or tangy dressing that makes every bite refreshing. True to Mary Berry’s style, this recipe is easy to prepare, beautifully balanced, and ideal for making ahead — a versatile favourite that never goes out of season.

What Is Mary Berry Pasta Salad?

Mary Berry’s Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish made by combining cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light homemade dressing. The salad can be creamy, herby, or vinaigrette-based, offering a perfect mix of textures and flavours. It’s often served as a side dish but can also stand alone as a wholesome main meal.

Other Popular Mary Berry Salad Recipes

• Mary Berry Potato Salad
• Mary Berry Green Salad

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Quick and easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect for gatherings – A great make-ahead dish for picnics or parties.
• Flexible ingredients – Works with whatever you have in the fridge.
• Light yet filling – Balanced with carbs, veggies, and protein.
• Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle) – 250g
• Cherry tomatoes – 150g, halved
• Cucumber – ½, diced
• Red onion – ½, finely sliced
• Sweetcorn – 100g (optional)
• Red or yellow pepper – 1, chopped
• Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Olive oil – 3 tbsp
• Mayonnaise – 3 tbsp
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste

(Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, tuna, boiled eggs, or grated cheese for extra protein and flavour.)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large saucepan
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork (for dressing)
• Sharp knife and chopping board

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

While the pasta cools, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and pepper into bite-sized pieces. Add them to a large mixing bowl along with sweetcorn if using.

Step 3: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the thickness by adding a splash of water if needed.

Step 4: Combine everything

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and serve

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Pasta turned mushy – Cooked it just until al dente and cooled it quickly.
• Dressing too thick – Added a teaspoon of water or more olive oil.
• Too bland – Boosted flavour with lemon juice and black pepper.
• Vegetables soggy – Added dressing only before serving.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Pasta Salad

• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Use whole wheat pasta to add fibre and nutrients.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or dill for natural flavour.
• Reduce oil and include more crunchy vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Mayonnaise – Use Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Pasta – Try gluten-free or lentil-based pasta.
• Mustard – Swap Dijon for honey mustard for a sweeter note.
• Lemon juice – White wine vinegar works well too.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Grilled chicken – Adds protein and smoky flavour.
• Garlic bread – Complements the creamy dressing.
• Baked salmon – A perfect pairing for a summer meal.
• Green salad – Keeps the meal fresh and balanced.
• Roasted vegetables – Adds warmth to a cold pasta base.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Cool the pasta completely before mixing to avoid sogginess.
• Season generously — pasta absorbs flavours as it chills.
• Add dressing before serving if making ahead to maintain texture.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Cut vegetables evenly for a balanced bite.
• Use fresh herbs to enhance aroma and colour.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Pasta Salad

• Add cheese – Feta, mozzarella, or Parmesan for extra richness.
• Include protein – Shredded chicken, prawns, or ham work beautifully.
• Make it Mediterranean – Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
• Add crunch – Toss in nuts or seeds for texture.
• Spice it up – A pinch of chili flakes gives a mild heat.

Storing Mary Berry Pasta Salad the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing – The texture of pasta and dressing can change.
• Keep dressing separate if storing long-term to prevent sogginess.
• Stir before serving – Mix well to refresh the dressing.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Pasta Salad (If Needed)

Pasta salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, heat it briefly in the microwave (without mayo) and stir in fresh dressing afterward.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~290 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugars: 4g
• Fat: 15g
• Fibre: 3g

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FAQs

How do I stop the pasta from sticking together in Mary Berry’s pasta salad?

To prevent the pasta from sticking, drain and rinse it under cold water immediately after boiling. Toss it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil before mixing in the dressing — this keeps the pieces separate and the texture perfect.

Can I make Mary Berry’s pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, pasta salad tastes even better when made in advance. Prepare it up to a day ahead, but store the dressing separately. Mix the dressing in just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and the vegetables crisp.

What type of pasta works best for pasta salad?

The best choices are short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle. These shapes hold the dressing well and blend evenly with the vegetables, ensuring every bite is full of flavour and texture.

How do I make the pasta salad dressing more flavourful?

You can enhance the dressing by adding fresh herbs, a spoon of Dijon mustard, or a dash of lemon juice. These ingredients boost freshness and add a tangy depth, giving the salad that signature Mary Berry taste balance.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Pasta Salad is a quick, refreshing, and versatile dish that’s perfect for every occasion. With its creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and satisfying pasta base, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits beautifully into picnics, family lunches, or casual dinners. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create truly delicious results.