This Classic Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful, and fresh. Packed with tri-color rotini, crunchy vegetables, savory pepperoni, and creamy mozzarella, it’s tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that brings all the flavors together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a picnic, or simply need a dish to share, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this pasta salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. The zesty homemade dressing complements the fresh ingredients, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course – either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces olives, sliced
Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1 ½ cups olive oil
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
- In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is room temperature. Place pasta in a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Before serving, allow pasta salad to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and toss to redistribute the dressing.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Resting Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 283 kcal | Servings: 24 servings
Classic Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
When it comes to versatile, crowd-pleasing dishes, few recipes can compete with a classic pasta salad. It’s a staple at barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings for good reason. This dish combines bold flavors, vibrant colors, and the perfect balance of textures in one easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re feeding a large group or looking for a make-ahead meal, classic pasta salad never disappoints.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
One of the reasons pasta salad is so popular is its adaptability. The foundation is always the same—perfectly cooked pasta combined with fresh vegetables, flavorful add-ins, and a tangy dressing—but the specifics can be customized endlessly to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
In this particular recipe, tri-color rotini pasta is used to add visual appeal and texture, but you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like macaroni, orecchiette, or shells. The inclusion of pepperoni and two types of cheese (mozzarella and parmesan) offers savory and salty notes that elevate the flavor profile. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions provide crunch and a refreshing balance to the richness of the dressing and cheese.
The Importance of a Great Dressing
The dressing is the soul of any pasta salad. Here, a homemade vinaigrette ties everything together. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a blend of seasonings, this dressing brings a zesty brightness to the dish. The traditional 3:1 ratio of oil to vinegar ensures a smooth consistency and balanced tanginess. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes enhance the overall flavor.
For those who prefer a shortcut or want a sweeter dressing, a bottled Italian dressing can be substituted. However, the homemade version provides a level of freshness and control over flavor that’s hard to beat.
A Dish That’s Perfect for Meal Prep
Another major advantage of classic pasta salad is its suitability for meal prep. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also tastes better after sitting for a few hours. This resting period allows the pasta to soak up the dressing, melding the flavors beautifully. You can make it up to a day in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy hosts or anyone preparing meals ahead of time. Proper storage in an airtight container ensures the salad stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Balancing Nutrition and Flavor
Despite its indulgent flavors, pasta salad offers a surprising array of nutrients. The vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants, while the olive oil in the dressing contributes heart-healthy fats. Protein from the cheese and optional pepperoni adds a satisfying element to the dish, making it hearty enough to serve as a main course if desired.
To make the salad lighter or vegetarian-friendly, you can skip the pepperoni or substitute it with plant-based protein options like chickpeas or tofu cubes. You can also experiment with whole-grain pasta or gluten-free varieties to cater to specific dietary needs. The flexibility of this dish ensures it can be tailored to almost anyone’s preferences.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad
Achieving the ideal pasta salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Overcooked pasta becomes mushy, while undercooked pasta is too firm. Following the package instructions and testing the pasta for doneness ensures the right texture.
- Rinse Pasta with Cold Water: After cooking, rinsing the pasta with cold water halts the cooking process and helps maintain its firmness. It also prevents the salad from becoming overly starchy.
- Dress at Room Temperature: Warm or room-temperature pasta absorbs dressing better than cold pasta, enhancing the flavor.
- Toss Before Serving: If the salad has been sitting for a while, tossing it before serving redistributes the dressing and ensures even coating.
- Customize Freely: Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Additions like fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, or nuts can bring new dimensions to the dish.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd Favorite
This classic pasta salad checks all the boxes for a successful dish. It’s visually appealing, thanks to the tri-color rotini and vibrant vegetables, and it delivers a symphony of flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates. The zesty vinaigrette provides just the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and the savory notes of the pepperoni. Moreover, it’s easy to scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of people you’re serving, making it incredibly versatile.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Celebrating
Classic pasta salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a culinary canvas that invites creativity and customization. With its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, it’s a recipe that stands the test of time, remaining a beloved addition to gatherings of all kinds. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or make it your own, this dish is sure to be a hit.
So, the next time you’re planning a get-together, consider whipping up a batch of this crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, adaptability, and bold flavors ensure it will be the star of your spread. Enjoy it fresh, make it ahead, and savor the moments of connection and joy it brings to your table.
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Classic Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Classic Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful, and fresh. Packed with tri-color rotini, crunchy vegetables, savory pepperoni, and creamy mozzarella, it’s tossed in a homemade vinaigrette that brings all the flavors together. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a picnic, or simply need a dish to share, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this pasta salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. The zesty homemade dressing complements the fresh ingredients, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing. Serve it as a side dish or a light main course – either way, it’s bound to be a hit!
Ingredients
-
- 24 ounces tri-color rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces olives, sliced
Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is room temperature. Place pasta in a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the vinaigrette.
- Pour vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Before serving, allow pasta salad to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes