Description: This vibrant and flavorful pasta salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for Memorial Day weekend gatherings, potlucks, or any warm-weather occasion. Packed with colorful, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty Italian dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup yellow or red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, whole or halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy in the salad. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately into a colander. Rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This step is essential to prevent the pasta from sticking together and becoming clumpy in the salad. Allow the pasta to drain completely while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the fresh vegetables. Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds; you can peel the cucumber if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds a bit of texture and nutritional value. Dice the yellow or red bell pepper into small, even pieces. This ensures that the bell pepper is evenly distributed throughout the salad. Halve the black olives if desired, or leave them whole for a more rustic presentation. Thinly slice the red onion; if you find the red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Finely chop the fresh parsley or basil. If using basil, chiffonade the leaves by stacking them, rolling them up tightly, and slicing them thinly across the roll. This prevents the basil from bruising and releases its fragrant oils.
Step 3: Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For a more complex flavor, consider using a high-quality Italian dressing as a base and adding your own herbs and spices. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing. The red wine vinegar provides acidity, balancing the richness of the dressing. The garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amounts to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, black olives, and red onion. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed. Avoid over-mixing, as this can cause the pasta to break apart.
Step 5: Add the Dressing and Fresh Herbs: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or red wine vinegar to taste.
Step 6: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chilling the salad also helps the vegetables to crisp up. The salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
Why you will love this recipe:
This pasta salad is a total winner because it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. You can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand or enjoy most – zucchini, carrots, or even roasted vegetables would be fantastic additions. It’s a super make-ahead-friendly dish, meaning you can prepare it in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy days or when you’re hosting a party. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, and it’s a guaranteed way to brighten up any meal. Plus, the zesty Italian dressing brings everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, and it’s so simple to make that even novice cooks can whip it up with ease. It’s truly a go-to recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again!
Serving Suggestions:
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or burgers for a complete and balanced meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of pasta salad on its own for a refreshing and satisfying light lunch.
- For Picnics and Potlucks: This salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks, as it travels well and can be made ahead of time.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad.
- Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious dressing.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the salad. Cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
- Rinse the Pasta: Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits.
- Adjust the Dressing: Adjust the amount of dressing to your liking. If you prefer a drier salad, use less dressing. If you prefer a more flavorful salad, use more dressing.
- Add Cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese, mozzarella balls, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor to the salad. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to use less as dried herbs are more potent.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
Conclusion:
This Most Requested Pasta Salad for Memorial Day Weekend is a true celebration of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of summer gatherings – vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic basket, or simply looking for a light and refreshing lunch, this pasta salad is a perfect choice. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a staple recipe that you’ll turn to time and time again. From the al dente pasta to the crisp vegetables, the fragrant herbs, and the zesty Italian dressing, every component of this salad works in harmony to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try and discover why this pasta salad is a crowd favorite!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of pasta? Absolutely! While rotini or bowtie pasta are commonly used, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture in the salad.
- I don’t have Italian dressing. Can I use something else? Yes, you can! A homemade vinaigrette or a lemon-herb dressing would also work well. You can also use a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar for a different flavor profile.
- Can I add meat or cheese to this salad? Definitely! Adding grilled chicken, shrimp, salami, or cubed cheese like mozzarella or feta would make it a heartier and more substantial meal.
- How long does this pasta salad last in the refrigerator? This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the vegetables may become slightly softer over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan Italian dressing, and consider adding plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu. You can also omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
