How to Make a Pasta Salad

How to Make Awesome Pasta Salad

Pasta salad? It's perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. But a truly great pasta salad needs more than just tossing some pasta and veggies together. This guide will show you how to make one everyone will love!

Picking the Right Pasta

The best pasta salad starts with the pasta itself. Short pasta works best. Here's what I recommend:

• Rotini, Farfalle (bowties), and Fusilli: These hold the dressing really well.
• Penne, Rigatoni: Their ridges add great texture too!
• Orzo: This tiny pasta makes a lighter salad.
• Avoid long pasta: Spaghetti gets messy in a salad.

Pro Tip: Cook your pasta al dente (a little firm). Overcooked pasta gets mushy.

Making the Best Dressing

The dressing is key! Experiment – find your favorite.

1. Classic Vinaigrette: Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. A little honey makes it sweeter.
2. Creamy Italian: Mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Parmesan, and garlic powder make a rich salad.
3. Lemon-Herb Dressing: Lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, basil), salt, and pepper – so fresh and bright!
4. Ranch Dressing: Easy, but homemade tastes better.

Important: Add the dressing right before serving. Otherwise, your pasta gets soggy.

Pasta Salad Recipes

Classic Italian Pasta Salad

This is a total classic!

• 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, salt and pepper

Instructions: Mix everything together. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Greek Pasta Salad

This one's bursting with flavor!

• 1 pound orzo pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper

Instructions: Combine everything. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A fun twist on a favorite!

• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Dressing: 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions: Mix it all up. Serve it now, or chill it later.

More Pasta Salad Tips

• Don't overcook the pasta!
• Add dressing just before serving.
• Use the best ingredients you can find.
• Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Let it chill! The flavors get better.
• Get creative with add-ins!
• Add some crunch! Toasted nuts or seeds are great.

Pasta Salad as a Meal Base

Pasta salad is super versatile. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Leftover roasted veggies work great too! It’s perfect for meal prepping.

Go Make Some Pasta Salad!

Now you're ready to make amazing pasta salads! Experiment and have fun. Anyone can do it!