Pasta Salad, a delightful mix of al dente pasta and crisp vegetables, is tossed in a homemade Italian dressing, making it a perfect dish for any meal. This versatile salad is ideal for a nutritious lunch or dinner, especially on warm days. It pairs excellently with a variety of proteins, including chicken, salmon, or roasted veggies.
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Not only is it delicious immediately after preparation, but it also retains its freshness for days when stored in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or a cozy meal at home, this Pasta Salad is sure to satisfy.
Enjoy More Delectable Pasta Dishes:
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Salmon Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- White Sauce Pasta
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For a delightful Pasta Salad dressing that blends traditional Italian tastes with a few optional variations, gather these common ingredients from your local grocery store:
Ingredients for Dressing
- Olive Oil: Forms the rich, smooth base of the dressing, offering a fruity and slightly peppery flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: It introduces a tangy, bright note to the dressing. For a milder tang, you can substitute with White Vinegar.
- Dried Herbs: Blend dried parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic, earthy undertone. Italian seasoning is a great alternative, combining similar herbs.
- Chili Flakes: Add a subtle heat and spice. Adjust according to your heat preference.
- Black Pepper Powder: Enhances the dressing with mild heat and earthiness.
- Onion Powder: Brings in a savory and slightly sweet onion flavor.
- Sugar: Softens the acidity, adding a gentle sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: Offers a refreshing, citrusy complement to the other ingredients.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a nutty and savory dimension. Skip or replace with a vegetarian alternative if needed.
- Garlic (grated or garlic powder): Imparts a distinctive, aromatic flavor.
- Mayo (optional): Not traditionally in Italian dressing, but it adds creaminess and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients for Salad
- Pasta: Forms the base of the salad. Choose from rotini, penne, fusilli, or bow tie pasta. For a healthier twist, whole-wheat pasta is a great option.
- English Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch. Regular or Persian cucumbers are suitable substitutes.
- Grape Tomatoes: Bring a burst of sweetness and tanginess. Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used instead.
- Bell Peppers (various colors): Provide a crisp texture and sweet flavor. Feel free to use any color bell pepper.
- Golden Pepperoncini: Offer a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Substitute with banana peppers or mild jalapeños for a similar taste.
- Olives (black or green): Contribute a briny, savory element. Kalamata olives or any other olives you prefer are also fitting.
- Red Onion: Gives a sharp, pungent flavor. Shallots or scallions can be used for a milder onion taste.
- Basil Leaves: Infuse the salad with a fresh, aromatic herb flavor. If unavailable, parsley or cilantro can be good alternatives.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a creamy, mild taste that complements the other ingredients well. Diced feta, cubed cheddar, or your preferred cheese variety can be used as alternatives.
How to Make Pasta Salad at Home?
Begin a flavorful journey with our Pasta Salad recipe, complete with step-by-step photos and a video to guide you through making the dressing, cooking the pasta, and assembling the salad. Follow along for a seamless and enjoyable cooking experience. Now, let's dive into the recipe steps:
Explore a World of Salad Recipes:
- Macaroni Salad
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- Chicken Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Greek Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Coleslaw
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta, rotini, bow tie, fusilli, or penne
- 1 English Cucumber, or garden cucumber
- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
- ½ Red Onion, medium size
- 1½ cup Grape Tomato, or cherry tomato
- 3 tbsp Olives, black or Kalamata
- 3 tbsp Golden Peperoncini
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, fresh, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup Basil Leaves
For Italian Dressing
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar, or white vinegar
- 3 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, optional
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt, or adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Garlic, grated or garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Mayo, optional
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Basil Leaves, chopped or use dried basil
Instructions
To Make Dressing
- Take a bowl and mix all the dressing ingredients listed earlier. Whisk them together until fully combined. Set aside this homemade Italian dressing for use in the salad.
To Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, enough to cook the pasta. Season with salt to taste and add a drizzle of oil. Bring the water to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender. After cooking, remove the pasta from the water and set it aside for later use.
To Make Pasta Salad
- Start by washing and drying all vegetables. Slice the grape tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Trim the ends of the English cucumber, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and place in a large bowl. Do the same with the zucchini, adding it to the bowl.
- Dice the red and yellow bell peppers, removing the cores, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl.
- Slice the red onion into medium-sized pieces and add to the bowl.
- Into the bowl, add the halved grape tomatoes, halved black olives, golden pepperoncini, the cooked pasta, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves.
- Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the vegetables and pasta. Gently mix everything together. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
To Serve
- Enjoy this Pasta Salad as a standalone dish or pair it with roasted chicken, baked chicken breast or thighs, grilled salmon, fried shrimp, or other dishes of your choice for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation and Ingredients:
- Balance the Dressing Flavors: Adjust the acidity, sweetness, and saltiness in your dressing to suit your taste. Remember to taste and tweak the seasoning as needed.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the pasta until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture when mixed with other ingredients.
- Rinse the Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents stickiness and clumping.
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors and textures. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and bright bell peppers for a fresh taste.
Final Touches and Serving:
- Let it Chill: Let the dressed pasta salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This melds the flavors together and enhances the overall taste.
- Gradually Add Dressing: Begin with a small amount of dressing and increase as necessary. This avoids overdressing and ensures even coating.
- Customize Your Salad: Don't hesitate to add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish Before Serving: Enhance the visual appeal of your pasta salad with a garnish of fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a sprinkle of black pepper right before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Pasta Salad is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Simply make it in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving. Allowing it to chill for several hours or overnight helps the flavors to blend and intensify, making it even more delicious when served.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
When serving Pasta Salad, enhance your meal with these complementary dishes. These options create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience alongside your Pasta Salad.
- Grilled or Roasted Meats: Pair with grilled chicken, roasted whole chicken, or baked chicken thighs and breast for a hearty addition.
- Shrimp Dishes: Complement with sautéed, fried, or air-fried shrimp for a satisfying seafood twist.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Add warm garlic bread or crispy breadsticks to soak up the dressing and add a carb element.
- Bruschetta: Serve with fresh bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil for a tangy touch.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Offer sautéed kale, spinach, zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a fresh and crisp side.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Include roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus for a flavorful match.
- Soup: For a more substantial meal, pair with tomato, minestrone, or vegetable soup.
Storage Suggestions
For optimal freshness, store this Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains fresh for 4 to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep or as a make-ahead option for gatherings.
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