Pasta House Salad Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
This pasta house salad recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weeknight dinner. It's a vibrant, flavorful mix of pasta, vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. This recipe is easily customizable to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and dressings!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a generous serving, easily feeding 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well)
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 (15 ounce) can black olives, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- Protein (Optional): Cooked chicken, ham, or salami (about 1 cup, diced)
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for the Perfect Pasta House Salad
This step-by-step guide will ensure your pasta salad is a delicious success.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Protein (if using)
While the pasta is cooling, chop all the vegetables. If you are adding protein, make sure it's cooked and diced.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, sour cream (or yogurt), sugar, vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it your own! Add more vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or herbs for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooled pasta, vegetables, protein (if using), and cheese to the large bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break the pasta.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pasta House Salad
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your salad will taste.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the salad.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts or seeds (like sunflower seeds or pepitas) can add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Get creative with the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, green bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
This pasta house salad recipe is versatile and delicious. Experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature version! Enjoy!
