Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad

Capturing the essence of summer in a bowl is no small feat, but this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad does just that. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta intertwined with crunchy veggies and a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that makes your family gather around the table with eager anticipation, ready to dive into a flavor explosion.

This recipe doesn’t just fill plates; it fills hearts with joy and nostalgia. A warm memory of sunny backyard barbecues comes flooding back as you whip up this colorful concoction. Gather your friends or family for an unforgettable meal during those lazy summer days when the grill is fired up and laughter fills the air.

Sharing this recipe with my family always brings smiles and compliments; it has become a staple at our gatherings for good reason!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use rotini or penne for great texture; these shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for fresh, ripe tomatoes; they add sweetness and vibrant color.
• Cucumber: Choose crisp cucumbers for crunch; peel them if you prefer less bitterness.
• Bell Peppers: Mix colors like red, yellow, or orange for visual appeal and sweetness.
• Red Onion: Thinly slice for a mild bite; soak in cold water to mellow its flavor if desired.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; be generous for maximum flavor impact.
• Italian Dressing: Use store-bought or homemade; it brings all the flavors together effortlessly.
• Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled feta adds creaminess; skip if dairy-free is preferred.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop your cherry tomatoes in half and dice bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice cucumber and onion thinly for even distribution in each serving.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped veggies. Add parsley and sprinkle feta cheese on top if using.

Add Dressing: Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture generously. Stir well until every piece is coated with that zesty goodness.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully!

Enjoying this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad means indulging in all those delightful textures and fresh flavors—every forkful transports you straight into summer bliss!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente, then rinse with cold water. While the pasta cools, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing. Mix everything once cooled for perfect flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or add proteins like chicken or chickpeas! Experiment with different dressings to suit your taste or theme. Get creative with herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh, just toss with a little olive oil before serving; no reheating necessary!

Nothing beats that moment when friends devour your Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad and rave about how delicious it is! It’s those little compliments that make all the chopping worth it.

FAQ

Can I make this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for enhanced flavors.

What types of pasta work best?

Any short pasta like rotini or penne holds dressing well and adds texture.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Simply omit cheese and use a plant-based dressing for a vegan twist.

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Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad

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Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish bursting with colorful veggies and zesty dressing, perfect for summer gatherings and outdoor fun.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

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• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, dice the bell peppers, and slice the cucumber and red onion.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and parsley. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top.
4. Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• Customize the salad with seasonal vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
•  For a vegan version, omit the cheese and use plant-based dressing.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg