Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Serves: Makes about 8 servings
Description:
This Perfect Pasta Salad recipe is not just incredible; it’s downright legendary. With its vibrant mix of colors, textures, and flavors, it’s no wonder why every batch disappears in the blink of an eye. Prepare to be begged for the recipe, because once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where good food is celebrated. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy days when you need a quick, no-cook dish that’s still a showstopper.
Ingredients:
- 1 box tri-colored pasta
- 2 green peppers, diced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups diced red onions
- 1/2 lb provolone cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside while you prepare the rest of the salad, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Pasta: Cook the tri-colored pasta according to the instructions on the box until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until it’s cool to the touch. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking together and ensures a refreshing bite to the salad.
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Prep the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, dice the green peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. Slice the black olives and cube the provolone cheese into bite-sized pieces. If using sliced pepperoni, cut the slices in half and separate them.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced green peppers, tomatoes, red onions, sliced black olives, and cubed provolone cheese. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
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Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything together until the dressing coats all the ingredients.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop and mingle.
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Serve: Just before serving, add the cubed provolone cheese to the pasta salad. Toss lightly to combine. Adding the cheese at the last minute prevents it from becoming soggy if the salad is stored for an extended period.
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Adjust Consistency: Depending on personal preference, you may need to adjust the consistency of the salad by adding more red wine vinegar or olive oil. Some prefer a moist salad, while others like it on the drier side. Taste and adjust as needed.
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Enjoy: Once everything is perfectly mixed and chilled, serve this delectable Perfect Pasta Salad to eager guests or hungry family members. Be warned: it won’t last long before it’s completely devoured!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 595.1
- Fat: 34.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 29.4mg
- Sodium: 825.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 55.9g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 11.1g
- Protein: 14.9g
Recipe Notes:
- This pasta salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or add-ins. Bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even cooked chicken or shrimp make delicious additions.
- To make it ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to assemble the salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes a bit dry after chilling, you can revive it with a splash of extra olive oil or vinegar before serving.
So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Perfect Pasta Salad and watch it disappear before your eyes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
