When you think of summer gatherings, there’s that one dish that always steals the show—the classic pasta salad! Bursting with colorful veggies and that delightful tang from dressing, every bite feels like a celebration. Picture yourself at a sunny picnic with friends, laughter echoing as you dive into a bowl of chilled goodness.
Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making this dish for a family get-together. I was ambitious and ready to impress, but let’s just say my noodle-to-dressing ratio was… well, questionable. But hey, we all start somewhere! Fast forward to today, and this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad has become my go-to crowd-pleaser filled with love (and maybe a few extra olives).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can whip up this vibrant pasta salad in under 30 minutes
- It’s packed with flavor from fresh veggies and zesty dressing
- The colorful ingredients create a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests
- Perfect for any occasion—bring it to picnics or BBQs!
The aroma of fresh herbs mixes beautifully with the crunch of crisp vegetables and the comforting texture of perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not just food; it’s a memory waiting to happen!
I still remember my cousin’s bewildered face when he discovered I had made it without any weird ingredients—just pure deliciousness!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use rotini or penne for their ability to hold onto the dressing; plus they look fun on a plate.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Choose vibrant red ones for a burst of sweetness; they’re nature’s candy in disguise.
- Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add a refreshing crunch; opt for Persian cucumbers if available—they’re sweeter!
- Bell Peppers: Get creative with colors—red, yellow, or orange peppers bring brightness both visually and flavor-wise.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced adds zing; soak them in cold water briefly to mellow their sharpness.
- Olives: Kalamata or green olives offer briny depth; pit them beforehand unless you enjoy an impromptu surprise!
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings creamy tanginess; feel free to substitute with goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Italian Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade for convenience; it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for some deliciousness in just a few simple steps!
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—no one likes mushy noodles! Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Chop the Veggies: While your pasta cools down like it’s on vacation, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces—aim for uniform sizes for even enjoyment.
Add Cheese and Dressing: In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta with chopped veggies. Crumble in feta cheese generously over the top. Drizzle Italian dressing all over everything like it’s confetti on New Year’s Eve.
Toss Gently: Using two spoons (or your hands if you’re feeling rebellious), toss everything together gently until coated well—make sure each piece gets its fair share of dressing!
Chill Before Serving: Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so flavors can mingle beautifully—you want them all on friendly terms!
It’s so easy you might wonder why you didn’t make it sooner! The flavors will have you dreaming of sun-soaked afternoons and backyard barbecues.
With every forkful of this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad, you’re not just eating—you’re celebrating life’s little moments surrounded by loved ones. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s a vibrant, colorful dish that brightens any gathering
- Tossing in fresh ingredients elevates flavor and texture, making it a hit at barbecues
- Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking. While the pasta cools, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing for a seamless assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preferences—cucumbers or bell peppers work beautifully. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for an extra boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If needed, refresh with a splash of dressing before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor balance, let your salad chill for at least an hour before serving
- This helps all the ingredients mingle perfectly
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure optimal flavor
- Using fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly
Creating this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad always brings back memories of sunny picnics with family, where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the food.
FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad a day ahead?
Yes, making it a day ahead enhances flavors as they meld together beautifully.
What types of pasta work best?
Short pastas like rotini or penne hold dressings and ingredients well for this recipe.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
This vibrant Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad combines fresh veggies and zesty dressing, creating a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olives (Kalamata or green), pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped veggies. Add crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle Italian dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
- Swap out any vegetables based on your preferences for a tailored flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg