Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a zesty twist on a classic pasta salad. It is perfect to make all year round but is especially good for summer dinners. Packed with your favorite veggies, and sure to be a hit that your family will devour. Keep reading below if you are looking for the perfect picnic food, or summer salad.
What are the Best Noodles for Pasta Salad?
There are so many noodle ideas for pasta, but my favorite for this salad is bow tie pasta. I love how the bow tie noodles hold up, and it seems the longer they sit the better they taste in the zesty Italian dressing.
I also enjoy a good spiral noodle and have even made this recipe with spaghetti noodles. So, use whatever noodles you have, or what ones are your favorite.
Is it better to make Pasta Salad the day before?
The best part about pasta salad is it always tastes better the next day. I like to make my pasta dish the night before, so it has all night to sit and marinate. It also tastes better when it is cold so make sure to serve it right out of the fridge.
What are the best veggies for Pasta Salad?
The best veggies are ones that can hold their crunch and texture, especially of you are going to make it the day ahead. I love to add carrots, bell pepper, cucumbers, tomatoes and onion. This salad is one of those dishes that you can really make your own. So, add whatever veggies you like best.
Salad Tip for Picky Eaters
My family is full of picky eaters, and this is the perfect dish for that. My biggest tip for picky eaters is to use a food processor to make your veggies super small. The pickiest of eaters won’t even realize this salad is packed full of yummy veggies.
What is good to eat with Pasta Salad?
Some of my favorite dishes to serve with this salad is Baked Beans, BBQ Chicken, Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, or even just a side of garlic bread. I will link my favorite recipes below so be sure to check them out.
If you give my Easy Pasta Salad Recipe a try, remember to tag me on Instagram. I love to see all your yummy creations. As always, keep following along with The Four Acre Farm blog for more Easy Recipes, Gardening Tips, & Budget Friendly DIY.
Other Dishes You Will Love
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Crock Pot Baked Beans
- Pulled BBQ Chicken
Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bow Tie Pasta
- 1 large bottle Italian Dressing
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup Carrots
- 1/4 cup Bell Pepper
- 1/4 cup Cucumber
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in large pot until tender.
- Drain water and cool pasta noodles or rinse with cool water.
- Dice veggies or add to food processor. You can use whatever veggies you like. Tomatoes and Onion are also a great option.
- Fold into pasta the veggies, 3/4 bottle of dressing, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste.
- I like to top my pasta salad with a good sprinkle of parmesan and pepper. Then put into the refrigerator to chill.
- Serve cold and Enjoy!
Southern Green Beans Recipe
