A simple pasta salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a barbecue, a potluck dish, or just a delicious meal for a warm summer day, this easy recipe is sure to please. With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing and tender pasta, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy a healthy meal.
The key to a great pasta salad is to choose the right ingredients. While you can use any type of pasta you like, we recommend using a short-cut pasta like rotini or shells. Not only are they easier to eat, but they also hold the dressing and vegetables better than long noodles. You can also choose to use any type of vegetables you like, but our favorite combination is cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions and cucumbers. For even more flavor, add olives, artichokes, capers, and/or roasted red peppers.
To make the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you’d like, you can also add in some red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. To assemble the salad, mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, vegetables, and dressing until everything is evenly coated. For even more flavor, you can also add in some fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano.
To serve the salad, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the salad even more delicious. When you’re ready to serve, top the salad with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a few slices of avocado. Enjoy!
How to Make a Simple Pasta Salad
- Choose a short-cut pasta, like rotini or shells
- Mix together chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions, and cucumbers
- Add some olives, artichokes, capers, and/or roasted red peppers, if desired
- Mix together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing
- Mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, vegetables, and dressing until everything is evenly coated
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour
- Top the salad with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a few slices of avocado
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- For a vegan version, substitute vegan mayonnaise for the regular mayonnaise.
- For a protein-packed salad, add some cooked and cooled chickpeas or white beans.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
- For a crunchy salad, add some croutons or chopped nuts.
- For a flavorful twist, add some thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add some feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of pasta should I use for a pasta salad?
For a pasta salad, we recommend using a short-cut pasta like rotini or shells. Not only are they easier to eat, but they also hold the dressing and vegetables better than long noodles. - Can I use any type of vegetables in a pasta salad?
Yes, you can use any type of vegetables you like, but our favorite combination is cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onions and cucumbers. For even more flavor, you can also add in olives, artichokes, capers, and/or roasted red peppers. - What type of dressing is best for a pasta salad?
The best dressing for a pasta salad is a combination of mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. If you’d like, you can also add in some red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. - How long should I chill the pasta salad before serving?
To get the best flavor, we recommend chilling the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the salad even more delicious. - What toppings should I add to my pasta salad?
Toppings are a great way to add flavor and texture to your pasta salad. We recommend topping the salad with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and maybe a few slices of avocado.
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