Classic Pasta Salad
Summer is officially here and with backyard parties, picnics and family gatherings, there are certain foods that are requested more than others. We don’t want anything too heavy but definitely fresh and tasty… a dish that represents summer like this Classic Pasta Salad!
Throughout the years, I’ve been posting different salad recipes. Some fit well for colder months such as my Winter Citrus Salad, Asian Chicken Salad, and so on, while others are perfect for summer time like my Greek Salad, Strawberry Salad, Jicama Mango Pepper Salad, Creamy Bacon Potato Salad or Moroccan Potato Salad, etc. To me, salads can be enjoyed anytime during the year but I have to say that I prefer eating my Classic Pasta Salad during the summer…
I love vegetables and this salad is packed with them. Not only is this salad colorful but it’s also healthy and flavorful. It’s a rainbow of yumminess! I prefer to make my own dressing/vinaigrette but I know that some of you will probably use a store-bought instead. So you have some options but if you are like me and enjoy fresh and tasty, here are a few homemade recipes you can use such as Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Vinaigrette, Blue Cheese Dressing, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Thousand Island Dressing, Mandarin Orange Vinaigrette with Sesame, Italian Vinaigrette, href=”https://clubfoody.com/recipe/russian-dressing/”>Russian Dressing, Zippy Ranch Dressing, , Catalina Dressing, and many more…
The day I was filming, I didn’t add ham to the Pasta Salad because that night I was serving it with Hamburgers. As much as I enjoy proteins, I thought it was a little too much. Don’t be afraid to use certain ingredients you enjoy… after all it’s your salad! As I’ve said many times – “Adjust the recipe to your liking”
You won’t go wrong serving this Classic Pasta Salad at your next summer get together. It’s delicious, extremely appealing visually and quite healthy, using fresh ingredients. That’s what I call a great summer side dish!
Bon Appétit!
Check out these other amazing summer side recipes…
– Vegetable Medley
– Texas Caviar
– Smoky Bacon Creamed Corn
– Green Beans with Chili-Orange Oil
– Spicy Tropical Salsa
– Tex•Mex Potatoes
and for even more healthy salad recipes, click on this link… Recipe Category • Salads & Dressings
Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel by clicking on this link… Club Foody YouTube
Classic Pasta Salad
Hover to scale
Ingredients
SALAD
- 1 lb. (16 oz.) tri-color rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ham, cubed *optional
- 1/2 cup green peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup orange peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red peppers, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped tips & tricks
- 2 cups cucumber, quartered
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 can (1.12 oz./32 g) sliced black olives, drained
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/2 tbsp. Italian seasoning see Recipe
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped tips & tricks
DRESSING
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise see Recipe
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip®
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tbsp. hot sauce, such as Cholula®
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
Directions
SALAD
- In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients. Stir until well blended, cover and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for 1 hour.
DRESSING
- In a medium bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients; whisk well.
- Pour over the pasta salad and gently stir until all the ingredients are coated. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
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