Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a quick meal at home. It’s a wonderful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. With its vibrant colors and bold ingredients, Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but also looks beautiful on any table.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe for Pasta Salad is great because it’s so simple and quick to prepare. You can make it in less than 30 minutes, and it’s very flexible! You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have or what you enjoy. Plus, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep. It’s a wonderful dish to serve at barbecues, potlucks, or just to have as a tasty side or main dish at home.

How to Make Pasta Salad

Making this Pasta Salad is easy and fun! Here’s how to do it step by step.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces tri-color rotini
• 5 ounces sliced green olives (drained)
• 2.25 ounces sliced black olives (drained)
• 1 small red onion (diced)
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
• 3.5 ounces pepperoni slices (quartered)
• ¾ cup zesty Italian salad dressing (more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons Salad Supreme seasoning (more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until it is al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water until it cools to the touch.
4. Add the pasta and all other ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
6. When you’re ready to serve, stir the salad again and taste it. You can add more salad dressing and adjust with more Salad Supreme seasoning or salt if you like.

How to Serve Pasta Salad

You can serve Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great main dish or a side dish to complement grilled meats and vegetables. Just scoop it into bowls, and your guests will love the bright colors and flavors!

How to Store Pasta Salad

Store any leftover Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and you can always add a splash of dressing if it seems dry.

Tips to Make Pasta Salad

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it stays firm and doesn’t get mushy in the salad.
• Chill your Pasta Salad for at least an hour; this helps the flavors blend beautifully.
• Feel free to add some of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cucumbers for extra crunch and taste.

Variation

You can easily change up this recipe! If you don’t have rotini, any type of pasta works. You can also switch the cheese, use different deli meats, or add more veggies based on your taste or what you have on hand.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of dressing?
   Yes! You can use any type of dressing you like, such as ranch or Greek dressing.

2. Is there a vegetarian version?
   Absolutely! Just leave out the pepperoni and any other meats, and add more veggies or cheese.

3. Can I make Pasta Salad ahead of time?
   Yes! Pasta Salad is great for meal prep and can be made a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Now you have everything you need to make a tasty Pasta Salad that everyone will enjoy! Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!