Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is perfect for any occasion, be it a summer barbecue or a packed lunch. The secret lies in the pasta salad dressing recipe, which elevates the flavor of this simple dish. Within just 45 minutes, you can have a nutritious meal that’s loaded with vibrant veggies, cheese, pepperoni, and black olives. Let’s dive into this culinary delight!
Yield and Preparation Details
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients for Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe
1 (8 ounce) package uncooked tri-color pasta
6 ounces pepperoni sausage, diced
6 ounces provolone cheese, cubed
1 medium onion, very thinly sliced and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
¾ cup chopped green bell peppers
¾ cup chopped red bell peppers
1 (6 ounce) can pitted black olives, drained
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground mustard seed
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions for Perfect Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Begin by cooking the tri-color rotini pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down instantly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced pepperoni, cubed provolone cheese, sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, chopped green and red bell peppers, drained black olives, minced fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, ground mustard seed, salt, and ground black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the homemade dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing everything until well coated. Make sure every ingredient gets a generous dressing.
5. Let the pasta salad sit for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe
Firstly, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. In under an hour, you will have a delicious meal ready. Moreover, the Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe enhances the flavors with the perfect combination of herbs and fresh ingredients. Above all, it’s a visually appealing dish that tastes as good as it looks. For those watching calorie intake, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use turkey pepperoni.
Healthier Alternative Suggestions
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using whole wheat pasta instead of regular rotini. Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can use turkey pepperoni and cut down on the cheese to make the salad lighter.
For more inspiration on healthy recipes, consider exploring EatingWell’s website. For a deep dive into healthy eating habits, check out Healthline for more details and tips.
This Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing is sure to be your new go-to summer recipe, perfect for any occasion. Let us know how your dish turned out, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!