Pasta Salad Recipe
Hey peeps! Here is the pasta salad everyone has been asking about! My mom has been making this pasta salad for as long as I can remember. Ever since my mom made it for us growing up, it has been a crowd pleaser and I can’t get enough. This is the perfect dish for any summer gathering and Memorial Day weekend! So no need to worry about what you want to make for your weekend plans, because I have got you covered.
Get ready to dive into the tastiest summer dish ever: pasta salad! Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or just craving some zesty goodness, this quick and easy recipe will be your new go to for big gatherings. So, grab your peeps and let's dig in!
First things first, pasta salad is like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. You can use any pasta you want—bowties, penne, rotini, you name it! Cook it al dente (firm to the bite) according to the package instructions, then rinse it under cold water to cool things down. This salad is all about that cool, refreshing vibe, after all!
Chop up some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and throw in a handful of kalamata olives. The more colors, the merrier! It's like a party in a bowl! Oh, but we can't forget about the dressing! The dressing is what makes this pasta taste so good.
What's awesome about this dish is that it's so versatile. If you want to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can turn it into a hearty meal. Feeling Mediterranean? Throw in some artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes. The options are endless, my friends!
Now, here's the best part: You can make a big batch of pasta salad ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge. This salad only gets better with time, as all the flavors mingle and dance together, creating a taste explosion in every bite. Plus, it means you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time in the kitchen. Win-win, right?
So, next time you're looking for the perfect summer dish, remember the pasta salad recipe. It's simple, it's scrumptious, and it's an absolute crowd-pleaser. Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you as you enjoy each delightful forkful of chilled pasta goodness. Get creative, have fun, and savor the taste of summer with this fantastic pasta salad! Cheers to good food and sunny days!
NUTRITION TIP
Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also use gluten free or Banza pasta!
INGREDIENTS
Pasta of your choice— I used Tri-Color Rotini by Good and Gather
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red bell pepper, diced
Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette
Optional: 1 cup sliced kalamata olives
HOW TO
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to cool.
Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and kalamata olives.
Prepare the dressing and pour into the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Refrigerate and marinate: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also leave it in the fridge overnight for even better flavor.
Serve and enjoy: Just before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
xo,
TBO