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Big Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 106 reviews

Big Easy Pasta Salad is a simple, colorful, and refreshing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick side. Made with perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

Vegetables

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

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled, then drain well again.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Set aside.
  3. Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until smooth and well combined.
  4. Toss Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold.

Notes

  • Use your favorite pasta shape such as fusilli or penne if preferred.
  • You can add protein like diced cooked chicken or ham for a heartier dish.
  • Feel free to swap mayonnaise with a Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter version.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust vegetables and seasoning to taste for versatility.

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, summer salad, cold pasta dish

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