Why Make This Recipe
The BEST Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with tasty ingredients. This dish is great for summer gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners. Everyone loves a refreshing pasta salad, and this one stands out because it combines fresh veggies, creamy cheese, and savory meats. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy days.
How to Make The BEST Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- Rotini pasta
- Juicy tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Red onion
- Salami
- Olives
- Italian herbs
- Homemade Italian dressing
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, diced tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, chopped red onion, sliced salami, and olives.
- Add herbs to taste.
- Drizzle with homemade Italian dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve The BEST Pasta Salad
The BEST Pasta Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. You can pop it in the fridge for a bit before serving to make it extra refreshing. This pasta salad makes a great side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own.
How to Store The BEST Pasta Salad
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. If the salad gets dry, you can add a little more dressing before serving to freshen it up.
Tips to Make The BEST Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing it with other ingredients to prevent wilting.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch.
- Always taste and adjust the dressing and herbs according to your preference for the best flavor.
Variation
You can easily change up this pasta salad by using different types of cheese or meats. Try adding grilled chicken, tuna, or even seafood for a twist. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the salami and add more veggies instead.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
2. What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Rotini is a great choice because its shape holds dressing and ingredients well. Other options include penne or fusilli.
3. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, store-bought Italian dressing works just fine. Just choose a flavor you enjoy.
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 8 oz Rotini pasta Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 cup Juicy tomatoes, diced
- 8 oz Fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup Red onion, chopped
- 4 oz Salami, sliced
- 1/2 cup Olives, sliced
- 1 tbsp Italian herbs Add to taste.
- 1/2 cup Homemade Italian dressing
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, diced tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, chopped red onion, sliced salami, and olives.
- Add herbs to taste.
- Drizzle with homemade Italian dressing and toss to combine.
Serving
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.