Why Make This Recipe
Legendary Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s colorful, tasty, and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, going to a potluck, or just want a quick lunch, this salad is a hit. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and can be customized to fit your taste. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
How to Make Legendary Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Vegetables (like bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes)
- Cheese (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped vegetables and cheese, mixing well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Legendary Pasta Salad
Serve your Legendary Pasta Salad cold. You can put it in a bowl and garnish it with fresh herbs or extra cheese if you like. This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
How to Store Legendary Pasta Salad
To store your pasta salad, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you notice the pasta has absorbed too much dressing, add a little more olive oil and vinegar before serving.
Tips to Make Legendary Pasta Salad
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
- Experiment with different dressings or herbs to find your favorite flavor.
- Chop vegetables into small pieces for better mixing and taste.
Variation
You can swap out vegetables based on the season or what you have on hand. For example, try adding spinach, olives, or corn for a twist. If you want a Mediterranean style, consider adding feta cheese and olives.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use any type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle.
What dressing can I use instead of olive oil and vinegar?
You can use store-bought Italian dressing, ranch dressing, or any dressing you enjoy! Just be mindful of how strong the flavors are.
Print
Legendary Pasta Salad
A colorful and tasty pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick lunches.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup vegetables (bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped vegetables and cheese, mixing well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve cold and garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese. This salad is great with grilled meats or as a light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta salad, easy recipe, vegetarian dish, meal prep, summer salad