This Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine biting into perfectly cooked pasta tossed with fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and just the right amount of zest. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite that screams summer gatherings and joyful memories.
the sun shining down as you gather with friends and family around the grill, laughter ringing in the air. This pasta salad isn’t just food; it’s a celebration in a bowl. Whether you’re at a picnic or backyard barbecue, this dish brings everyone together with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for feeding a crowd.
- The bright colors make it visually appealing on any table.
- Its versatile nature means you can customize it based on what you have at home.
- And let’s not forget the creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
I once made this pasta salad for a family reunion, and let me tell you, it vanished faster than you can say “where’s the rest of the food?” Everyone was raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta (Rotini or Penne): Choose your favorite shape; rotini holds onto the dressing beautifully.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use fresh ones for juiciness; they add vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Peel or leave the skin on for crunch; both ways work well.
- Bell Peppers: Any color works! They bring sweetness and crunch to your salad.
- Red Onion: Slice thinly to add a sharp contrast to other flavors.
- Black Olives: Sliced for briny goodness; they add depth to each bite.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tangy flavor—don’t skip it!
- Dressing (Italian or Ranch): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade dressing for ease.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Basil): Chopped herbs provide freshness that elevates the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, slice 1 bell pepper (any color), and finely chop half an onion. Set aside these colorful beauties.
Toss Everything Together: Once the pasta is cooked and drained (but not rinsed!), place it in a big mixing bowl. Add your prepared veggies along with 1 cup black olives and 1 cup crumbled feta cheese.
Add Dressing: Drizzle your favorite dressing over everything—about 3/4 cup should do it—and toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly. For an extra zing, squeeze half a lemon over top!
Add Fresh Herbs: Chop up fresh parsley or basil (about ¼ cup) and sprinkle over your salad before giving one last gentle toss for freshness.
Chill Out: Allow your masterpiece to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully—trust me!
Now that you’ve created this beautiful dish, it’s time to serve up smiles along with those plates!
Enjoy making this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad—it’s bound to become a staple at your gatherings! With its refreshing taste and quick preparation time, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again as summer rolls on by.
You Must Know
- To elevate your Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad, use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain texture.
- Experiment with colorful veggies for appealing presentation and added crunch.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by boiling your pasta until al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. While the pasta cools, chop your vegetables and prepare the dressing. This sequence ensures everything comes together perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out traditional veggies for seasonal favorites like asparagus or snap peas. You can also add chickpeas for protein or sprinkle in some feta cheese for a tangy kick. Personal touches make the salad uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to reheat, do so gently on low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to revive flavors. Cold pasta salad is also delicious!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Chill your salad before serving to enhance flavors and texture.
- Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as needed; every palate is different!
- Using high-quality olive oil can significantly elevate your dressing’s taste.
Sharing this pasta salad recipe reminds me of a sunny Memorial Day picnic where friends raved about my dish. Their smiles and compliments made me realize how food brings people together.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad?
Short pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle work best, as they hold onto the dressing and mix well with vegetables.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance; just keep it chilled until serving time to maintain freshness.
How can I make my salad more colorful?
Incorporate a variety of bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs to create a vibrant and eye-catching dish that pleases both the eyes and palate.
Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad
Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish loaded with colorful veggies and creamy dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and guaranteed to impress your guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¾ cup Italian or ranch dressing
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped vegetables, black olives, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add fresh herbs and mix again. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize your salad by adding seasonal veggies like asparagus or snap peas.
- For added protein, consider incorporating chickpeas.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste for a personalized touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
