Classic pasta salad! Is there anything more synonymous with summer picnics, family gatherings, and potlucks? I think not! This classic pasta salad is a dish that evokes memories of sunshine, laughter, and good company. It’s also incredibly versatile, because you can customize it to your liking with whatever veggies, proteins, and dressings your heart desires! If you’re looking for an easy, crowd pleasing recipe, you have to try my classic pasta salad.
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This recipe is inspired by my grandmother’s version, but I’ve given it a little Makouri Recipes twist, of course. Extra flavor, better ingredients, and a sprinkle of love. This classic pasta salad is about to become your new go to!
Why You Will Love This classic pasta salad Recipe
You’ll adore this classic pasta salad because it’s the epitome of comfort food meets convenience. It’s quick to throw together, perfect for meal prepping, and bursting with fresh flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Use your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and proteins to create a pasta salad that’s uniquely yours. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. I bet you will too.
Ingredients Needed for This classic pasta salad Recipe
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite short pasta shape (rotini, penne, farfalle work well)
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup, preferably full fat for the best flavor
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup, this adds a nice tang and creaminess
- White Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons, for a bit of acidity
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon, adds a depth of flavor
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup, finely diced
- Bell Pepper: 1 cup, diced (any color you like!)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Black Olives: 1/2 cup, sliced
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, cubed
- Hard Boiled Eggs: 4, peeled and chopped
- Bacon: 1/2 cup, cooked and crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make This classic pasta salad Recipe
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This is really important. You do not want that pasta mushy.
- 2. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- 3. Add the Veggies and Cheese: Add the celery, red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and cheddar cheese to the dressing.
- 4. Incorporate the Protein: Gently fold in the chopped hard boiled eggs and crumbled bacon (if using).
- 5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing, veggies, and protein. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- 6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not be shy with the salt. It helps bring out the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 7. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the pasta salad to chill completely.
- 8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Give it another good toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve This classic pasta salad Recipe
This classic pasta salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes!
- Picnics and BBQs: This is an obvious choice for that next cook out.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, Dense Bean Salad Recipe, or sandwiches for a complete and satisfying meal.
- As a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of classic pasta salad on its own for a refreshing and filling lunch.
- Topping Recommendations: Sprinkle with extra bacon, cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Plating Ideas: Serve in a large bowl for family style gatherings, or divide into individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.
How to Store This classic pasta salad Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: It will keep well for up to 3 to 5 days. However, be aware that the dressing may start to break down after a few days, so it’s best consumed sooner rather than later.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this pasta salad, as the mayonnaise based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.
- Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
Tips to Make This classic pasta salad Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing.
- Cool the Pasta Completely: Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh, High Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the pasta salad.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Customize: This recipe is just a starting point. Add your favorite ingredients and adjust the dressing to your liking.
- Ingredient Swaps: For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise. You can also add other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or peas.
- Let the Flavors Meld: Allowing the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and create a more cohesive dish.
Helpful Notes for This classic pasta salad Recipe
- Mayonnaise: I recommend using full fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture, but feel free to use a light version if you prefer.
- White Wine Vinegar: If you don’t have white wine vinegar, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or substitute with crumbled tempeh bacon.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or pepper jack, depending on your preference. You could also try a Heart Shaped Caprese Salad.
Variation of This classic pasta salad Recipe
- Italian Pasta Salad: Add Italian dressing, salami, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Use feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and a lemon herb vinaigrette.
- Spicy Pasta Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or use a spicy mayonnaise. You can even add a little sriracha.
- Chicken Pasta Salad: Add shredded cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
- Shrimp Pasta Salad: Add cooked shrimp for a seafood inspired version.
What are the best ingredients for classic pasta salad?
The best ingredients for classic pasta salad include cooked pasta, typically rotini or penne, crisp vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, cheese, olives, and a vinaigrette-based dressing. You can also add protein like ham, salami, or grilled chicken.
How long does classic pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
Classic pasta salad typically lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
What is the best dressing to use for classic pasta salad?
The best dressing for classic pasta salad is often a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar (such as red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar), Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. You can also use a creamy dressing like ranch or Italian dressing, depending on your preference.
Can I prepare classic pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare classic pasta salad ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Just be mindful of adding ingredients that might get soggy if left for too long.
