Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
Introduction
Do you want a tasty and refreshing dish for your next gathering? Look no further! This Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad is packed with vibrant ingredients and delightful flavors. It’s perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This pasta salad is not only simple to make, but it’s also super versatile! You can enjoy it as a side dish or a main course. It’s great for feeding a crowd and can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy days or special occasions. Plus, it’s a fun way to add veggies and deliciousness to your meal!
How to Make Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Mueller’s Cut Macaroni (or other small pasta shape)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes (Roma or cherry tomatoes work well)
- 5-6 green onions, chopped
- 8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed (or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
- Peel and dice the cucumber. Dice the tomatoes. Chop the green onions. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Add the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried dill weed, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
Serve this pasta salad cold as a side dish or even as a main course. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as part of a picnic spread!
How to Store Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. If the salad gets a bit dry, you can add a splash more of mayo or yogurt to refresh it.
Tips to Make Fresh & Flavorful Pasta Salad
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This helps keep it from sticking together.
- Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Try adding bell peppers or olives for extra flavor!
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and add more fresh herbs.
Variation
You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste! Try adding in grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or mix in different veggies like bell peppers or baby spinach.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a while, so feel free to make it a day in advance.
What type of pasta works best?
Any small pasta shape works well! Mueller’s Cut Macaroni is great, but you could also use mini shells or fusilli.
Can I leave out the bacon?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version or replace it with a plant-based alternative if you like.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Otherwise, this recipe contains gluten due to the macaroni.