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My Summer Party Pasta Salad
Every time I bring this pasta salad to a gathering my friends beg for the recipe. I've perfected it over countless barbecues and picnics and it never fails to disappear first. What makes it special is the combination of fresh crunchy veggies tangy dressing and those perfect little pasta twirls that catch all the good stuff.
What Makes This One Special
You know what I love about this pasta salad? It's totally adaptable to what you have on hand. The colors look like confetti in the bowl and the flavors just get better as they sit together. I started making it for casual dinners but now it's requested at every family gathering.
What You'll Need
- Cavatappi pasta: Those twirls catch every bit of dressing.
- Red onion: Just enough for a nice zip.
- Broccoli: Fresh and crunchy is key.
- Green olives: They add such great flavor.
- Sharp cheddar: I cube mine pretty small.
- Banana peppers: My secret ingredient.
- Mini pepperoni and salami: Perfect little bites.
- Cherry tomatoes: The sweetest ones you can find.
- Green pepper: For that garden fresh crunch.
- Dressing mix: My own blend of seasonings and vinegar.
Let's Make It Together
- Start with Perfect Pasta
- Cook it just until tender then give it a cold rinse keeps it firm.
- Prep Your Mix ins
- I like everything cut about the same size it looks prettier that way.
- Make Your Dressing
- Whisk all those flavors together until they're perfectly blended.
- Time to Toss
- Mix everything in your biggest bowl so you can really get it all coated nicely.
- Let it Rest
- The hardest part is waiting but it's worth it trust me.
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My Best Tips
Always cook your pasta al dente it'll hold up better in the salad. I love using the crispest freshest vegetables I can find. Sometimes I add extra dressing just before serving to brighten it up. That hour of chilling time makes such a difference in the flavor.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I give it a Mediterranean twist with feta and kalamatas. My kids love when I make it Tex Mex style with corn and black beans. Adding grilled chicken makes it a complete meal. For my vegetarian friends I load it up with roasted vegetables it's just as delicious.
Common Questions
- Make ahead? The day before works great just save some dressing to freshen it up.
- Best pasta choice? I love cavatappi but any short pasta works well.
- Different dressing? Sure try your favorite I won't tell.
- How much to make? I plan for half a cup per person usually make extra though.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as it chills. Just toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- → What can I substitute for cellentani pasta?
- You can use any medium-sized pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Choose a pasta with ridges or curves to hold the dressing better.
- → How long does this pasta salad last?
- This pasta salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The vegetables may release some liquid over time.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes, simply omit the pepperoni and salami. You can add extra vegetables or cheese to make up for the missing ingredients.
- → Why cool the pasta before mixing?
- Cooling the pasta prevents it from absorbing too much dressing and helps keep the vegetables crisp. It also prevents the cheese from melting.