Description
A zesty, colorful pasta salad loaded with crunchy vegetables, cheese, and herbs, perfect for Memorial Day and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb rotini or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.
- Chop vegetables, cheese, and meat if using.
- In a bowl, whisk together Italian dressing, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta, vegetables, cheese, meat, and herbs in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Toss again before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
- Add extra dressing before serving if salad feels dry.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: My Most Requested Pasta Salad for Memorial Day Weekend, pasta salad, summer recipe, holiday side dish, BBQ salad, cold pasta dish