The Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant combination of al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and rich Italian flavors. A perfect blend of tangy dressing, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese cubes creates a satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or quick weekday meals, this pasta salad is a versatile dish that everyone will love. Tossed with a secret ingredient, Salad Supreme Seasoning, it brings a bold flavor that keeps guests coming back for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large hot house or English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cheese, cubed (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
- 6 ounces salami, sliced or cubed
- 12–14 ounces Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1–1 1/2 tablespoons Salad Supreme Seasoning (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by halving the tomatoes, dicing the cucumber, and finely chopping the red onion. Cube the cheese and salami.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Italian dressing.
- Add the prepared vegetables, cheese, and salami to the pasta. Sprinkle with Salad Supreme Seasoning and pepper.
- Mix well, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 501 kcal | Servings: 6
Everything You Need to Know About Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a beloved dish that perfectly balances simplicity and flavor, making it a staple in households around the world. This Easy Pasta Salad recipe brings together the classic elements of pasta, fresh vegetables, cheese, and salami, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing with a secret ingredient Salad Supreme Seasoning. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to for summer picnics, potlucks, BBQs, and casual family dinners.
Why Pasta Salad is a Crowd-Pleaser
Pasta salad’s versatility is one of its strongest selling points. Its adaptability to a variety of ingredients and personal preferences makes it a favorite for gatherings of all sizes. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or letting it shine as the main event, pasta salad always delivers. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and stores well for days, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts and busy hosts alike.
This particular recipe stands out because it’s more than just a mix of pasta and vegetables. The tangy Olive Garden Italian dressing and the flavorful blend of spices in the Salad Supreme Seasoning elevate it into a dish that’s bursting with bold and harmonious flavors.
The Beauty of Customization
What makes this Easy Pasta Salad even more appealing is how customizable it is. You can switch up the vegetables based on the season or your preferences—think colorful bell peppers, shredded carrots, or crisp broccoli florets. Cheese lovers can experiment with different varieties, from creamy mozzarella balls to sharp cheddar or tangy feta. Meat options are equally flexible, with diced ham, turkey, or even grilled chicken serving as excellent alternatives to salami.
For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the meat and load up on your favorite veggies. And if you’re catering to a vegan crowd, swapping out the cheese for a plant-based alternative and using a vegan dressing is a seamless adjustment.
The Role of Pasta in the Dish
The choice of pasta plays a significant role in this recipe’s success. Shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, and farfalle are ideal because their ridges and curves hold the dressing and spices beautifully. These pastas also provide a hearty texture that stands up well to the other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente. This ensures that the pasta maintains its structure when tossed with the dressing and other components, preventing it from becoming mushy, especially if it’s made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
The Secret Ingredient: Salad Supreme Seasoning
A standout feature of this recipe is the inclusion of Salad Supreme Seasoning. This blend of spices, Romano cheese, and paprika adds a burst of flavor that sets this pasta salad apart from others. It enhances the tanginess of the Italian dressing and complements the fresh vegetables and savory salami beautifully. This seasoning is a hidden gem in many kitchens, and it’s a game-changer in pasta salads.
A Dish for Every Occasion
One of the reasons pasta salad has stood the test of time is its adaptability to any occasion. This Easy Pasta Salad is no exception. It’s ideal for outdoor gatherings like picnics and BBQs because it’s easy to transport and serves well at room temperature. It’s equally fitting for potlucks, where it often becomes a talking point and a recipe people ask for.
At home, it can be a quick weeknight meal or a make-ahead dish for busy days. Pair it with grilled chicken or steak for a complete dinner, or serve it as a light lunch on its own. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients also make it a visually appealing addition to any table spread.
Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad
To ensure your pasta salad is always a hit, follow these simple tips:
- Season the Pasta Water: Adding a generous amount of salt to the boiling water infuses the pasta with flavor right from the start. This is a crucial step that can elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the vegetables, cheese, and dressing makes a big difference. Opt for the freshest produce and high-quality cheeses for the best results.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours helps the flavors meld together. This makes the dish even more delicious.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, give the salad a final taste test. You might want to add a little more seasoning, dressing, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Benefits
One of the best aspects of this Easy Pasta Salad is how well it stores. When kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last for up to 4-5 days. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping or preparing in advance for an event. In fact, making it a day ahead allows the dressing and spices to soak into the pasta and other ingredients, intensifying the flavors.
The Versatility of Italian Dressing
The Olive Garden Italian dressing recommended in this recipe is a fan favorite for its balanced tang and seasoning. However, if you prefer a homemade touch, whipping up your own Italian dressing is straightforward and rewarding. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried herbs like oregano and basil, a dash of sugar, and some grated Parmesan for a homemade version that rivals the store-bought variety.
Conclusion:
This Easy Pasta Salad embodies everything you could want in a dish: flavor, ease, versatility, and visual appeal. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a quick, delicious meal to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With its vibrant combination of ingredients, bold dressing, and the magic of Salad Supreme Seasoning, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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Easy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
The Easy Pasta Salad is a vibrant combination of al dente pasta, fresh veggies, and rich Italian flavors. A perfect blend of tangy dressing, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese cubes creates a satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or quick weekday meals, this pasta salad is a versatile dish that everyone will love. Tossed with a secret ingredient, Salad Supreme Seasoning, it brings a bold flavor that keeps guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large hot house or English cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cheese, cubed (cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella)
- 6 ounces salami, sliced or cubed
- 12–14 ounces Olive Garden Italian dressing
- 1–1 1/2 tablespoons Salad Supreme Seasoning (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by halving the tomatoes, dicing the cucumber, and finely chopping the red onion. Cube the cheese and salami.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Italian dressing.
- Add the prepared vegetables, cheese, and salami to the pasta. Sprinkle with Salad Supreme Seasoning and pepper.
- Mix well, adjusting the seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
