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Big Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

Big Easy Pasta Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta mixed with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups dry pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. Mix Vegetables and Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Combine and Chill: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture, pour the dressing over the top, and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

  • For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
  • Can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad, picnic salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://stirringwithstella.com/big-easy-pasta-salad-recipe/