This Easy Pasta Salad recipe is a delightful dish that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor, perfect for those busy days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With a cook time of just 8 minutes and a prep time of 20 minutes, you can have this dish ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picnics.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Easy Pasta Salad
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Description: This Easy Pasta Salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser! With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Recipe Category: Quick & Easy (< 30 Minutes)
- Keywords: Easy
- Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars
- Review Count: 4
- Calories: 267.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 8.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 23.8mg
- Sodium Content: 143.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 1.7g
- Protein Content: 11.8g
Ingredients:
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 green pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Recipe Instructions:
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Cook Macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni until it’s just tender, being careful not to overcook it. You want it to have a slight bite, as mushy pasta won’t hold up well in the salad.
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Prepare Dressing: While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the dressing according to the directions on the package. This could involve mixing it with water, oil, vinegar, or other ingredients, depending on the type of dressing you’re using.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained macaroni, diced green pepper, diced onion, and any other ingredients specified in the dressing mix.
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Chill Overnight: For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad.
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Add Cheese: A couple of hours before serving, mix in the cheddar cheese. Adding it too early could cause it to become too soft and mushy, so it’s best to add it closer to serving time for optimal texture.
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Adjust Flavor: This pasta salad has a mild flavor profile, but if you prefer a stronger taste, you can enhance it by using two packs of dressing mix instead of one. Be sure to prepare the extra mix according to the package instructions for the best results.
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Serve: Once the cheese is added and the flavors have melded together, your Easy Pasta Salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course, and watch it disappear as everyone savors its deliciousness.
Additional Tips:
- Feel free to customize this pasta salad with your favorite ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or cooked chicken, to make it your own.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip chilling the salad overnight, but keep in mind that the flavors may not be as well-developed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The flavors may continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious with each passing day.
With its simplicity and versatility, this Easy Pasta Salad recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal, its fresh flavors and satisfying texture are sure to delight your taste buds.
