Classic Pasta Salad – Clara quick dinners

Classic Pasta Salad is a timeless favorite that’s simple, colorful, and full of fresh flavors. Featuring tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side at any meal. It’s easy to make, travels well, and can be made ahead of time without losing its delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic pasta salad is everything you love in a side dish: it’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, great for meal prepping, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Plus, it uses pantry and fridge staples you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotini or bowtie pasta
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Red and green bell peppers, diced
• Black olives, sliced
• Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and cheese.
3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving or chill until ready to eat.

Servings and timing

This Classic Pasta Salad serves about 8-10 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Swap Italian dressing for a homemade vinaigrette or creamy ranch.
• Add cooked proteins like diced grilled chicken, ham, or pepperoni.
• Include extra veggies like shredded carrots, peas, or broccoli florets.
• Try different cheeses such as feta, mozzarella balls, or provolone.
• Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for dietary needs.

Storage/reheating

Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If it seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a little more dressing before serving.

FAQs

Can I make pasta salad the night before?

Yes, making pasta salad the night before helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

What pasta shapes work best for pasta salad?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, bowties, or penne are ideal because they hold dressing and ingredients well.

How do I keep pasta salad from absorbing all the dressing?

Reserve some dressing to toss into the salad right before serving to refresh it.

Can I add meat to classic pasta salad?

Absolutely, proteins like chicken, ham, or salami work great for making it heartier.

What other dressings can I use?

You can use balsamic vinaigrette, ranch, or a homemade Italian dressing if preferred.

How long can pasta salad sit out?

Pasta salad can sit out for about 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to stay safe.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

Yes, rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly for the salad.

Can I make this pasta salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives, and ensure your dressing is vegan.

What vegetables are best for pasta salad?

Crisp vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, carrots, and broccoli work best.

How much dressing should I use?

Use enough dressing to coat everything evenly, usually about 1 to 1½ cups, depending on the amount of salad.

Conclusion

Classic Pasta Salad is the ultimate easy, fresh, and flavorful side dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a picnic, or looking for a quick meal prep option, this versatile salad fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy its bright flavors and satisfying textures at your next gathering!

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