Simple, easy to make and nice and colorful this pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics or parties. Many years ago now I was given this recipe by a dear friend and have been making it ever since!
It is so easy. Once convenient ingredients combine with colorful vegetables, you can have this in minutes.
How to Make Pasta Salad
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Pasta Salad Ingredients
What fancies does go into pasta salad this year? These are the ingredients you'll need:
- Pasta: This colorful, top rated pasta salad begins with one pound of tri colored spiral pasta.
- Dressing: If you're feeling fancy, make your own Italian style dressing at home, or use a bottle of store bought Italian style dressing.
- Seasoning mix: It's also wonderful to add tons of savory flavor with salad seasoning mix.
- Vegetables: You'll also want cherry tomatoes, three bell peppers (green, yellow, and red), and a can of black olives.
Homemade Pasta Salad:
Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make pasta salad at home:
- Cook and drain the pasta.
- Make the dressing with the seasoning mix and whisk it.
- After that, toss in seasoned dressing with the vegetables and stirred in pasta.
What Goes With Pasta Salad
This is going to be a great pasta salad to have around, next to other potluck and picnic favorites. Do you still need some motivation? Check Out our collection of 15 Best Potluck Side Dishes Are So Good Everyone Will Be Begging You for the Recipes. Here are a few of the crowd-pleasing recipes you'll find:
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- Authentic German Potato Salad
- Perfect Summer Fruit Salad
Can You Make Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Pasta salad is a great make ahead dish, yes! Again, since the flavors need time in the fridge to meld, it could actually be a good thing to make a day or two in advance.
For How Long is Pasta Salad Good In the Fridge?
Once you've done, store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator at least 5 days.
Can You Freeze Pasta Salad?
If you toss cooked pasta into the freezer and then take it out, the pasta may keep its texture or it may change. But if you have extra pasta salad left, you can freeze it for up to three months.
Community Tips and Praise
Jean adds that 'adding the seasoning packet takes the flavor way up there.' "Chopped broccoli adds some colour but I also steam it for just a few seconds."
Laura Leal says: 'I made this for 18 servings for a potluck at work and everyone loved it.' I followed the recipe, and just added some broccoli. It was easy to make."
It's going ga ga over 'katherinebond' says 'awesome' pasta salad for starting the day. As a topping I added boiled eggs around the bowl and sliced. Got many compliments!"
Ingredients
- 3 cups tri-colored spiral pasta
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing
- 6 tablespoons salad seasoning mix
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (2.25 ounce) can black olives, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Gather all ingredients.
Step 2
Put in a large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add the boiling water, cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until it is tender but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes; drain under cold water; drain.
Step 3
Mix together Italian dressing and salad spice mix until smooth. Combine pasta, tomatoes, bell peppers and olives in a salad bowl.
Step 4
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
Step 5
Refrigerate the pasta salad for 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 6
Enjoy!
