Introduction
Pasta salad is the quintessential side dish for any summer gathering, barbecue, or potluck. Originating primarily as an American adaptation of Italian pasta dishes, this cold, vibrant salad offers a delightful combination of textures, from chewy pasta to crisp vegetables, all coated in a tangy dressing. It is beloved for its versatility and ease of preparation; it requires no cooking beyond boiling the pasta, and its flavors actually improve dramatically after chilling, making it the perfect make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces (340 g) dry short-cut pasta (Rotini, Farfalle, or Penne)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (approximately 300 g), halved
- Cucumber: 1 large English cucumber, diced
- Red Onion: 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- Black Olives: 1/2 cup (120 ml) sliced black olives, drained
- Cheese: 8 ounces (225 g) small mozzarella balls (pearls or ciliegine), drained
- Protein (Optional): 1 cup (150 g) cubed salami or pepperoni
- Italian Dressing: 1 cup (240 ml) good quality Italian vinaigrette
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30 g) freshly grated Parmesan
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
Step-by-step Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, aiming for a true al dente texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy once chilled. (Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes).
- Cool and Rinse: Immediately drain the pasta into a colander. This is the crucial step for pasta salad: rinse the cooked pasta thoroughly under cold running water for 1-2 minutes until it is completely cool to the touch. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the pasta from sticking together.
- Prepare the Mix-ins: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the remaining ingredients. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, black olives, mozzarella pearls, and any optional protein (like salami).
- Combine and Dress: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixture, ensuring you get it to the bottom of the bowl. Add the dried oregano, black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Gently toss everything until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally, overnight. This chilling time allows the pasta to fully absorb the dressing, deepening the overall flavor profile. (Chilling Temperature: 38°F / 3°C).
Nutritional Information
Pasta salad is generally a hearty side dish, providing a high source of complex carbohydrates from the pasta, which offers sustained energy. It also provides dietary fiber and essential vitamins (A and C) from the fresh vegetables. Calorie count varies widely based on the dressing used; a typical serving (about 1.5 cups) using a standard oil-based Italian dressing ranges from 350 to 450 calories. To make it healthier, use a light vinaigrette or a homemade dressing based on olive oil and lemon juice to control sodium and saturated fat.
Storage
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for 3 to 4 days. Note that the pasta will continue to soak up the dressing over time, which can sometimes make the salad taste dry after a day or two. If this occurs, simply stir in a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of fresh Italian dressing or olive oil just before serving leftovers to refresh the moisture and flavor. Pasta salad should never be frozen, as the vegetables and pasta will become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing.
Conclusion
This classic pasta salad is the perfect companion for grilled meats, burgers, or pulled pork, but it’s also satisfying enough to be enjoyed as a light, refreshing lunch on its own. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or swapping the dressing for a creamy ranch or a bright pesto. No matter how you serve it, this chilled salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.