Festive Christmas Pasta Salad: The BEST Easy Holiday Recipe

Festive christmas pasta salad adds a vibrant and delicious centerpiece to your holiday table! This isn’t your ordinary side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors, inspired by the joy and warmth of Christmas. My fondest memories involve holiday gatherings overflowing with laughter and, of course, incredible food. This festive christmas pasta salad recipe captures that spirit, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making it stand out. It’s an adaptable dish, fitting right in as an appetizer or alongside your Christmas ham.

This festive christmas pasta salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a simple way to bring extra cheer to your holiday meal.

Why You Will Love This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this festive christmas pasta salad because it’s quick, easy, and bursting with holiday cheer. It’s comforting and flavorful, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Plus, it’s a beautiful dish to display, thanks to the vibrant colors that scream “Christmas!”

The simplicity of this festive pasta salad guarantees minimal stress in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that even novice cooks find easy to master. You’ll love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, and it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Most importantly, it’s a crowd pleaser guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

What makes this festive christmas pasta salad really special is its versatility. Pair it with your favorite holiday ham, turkey, or even vegetarian main dishes. It’s also a fantastic make ahead dish, saving precious time during the holiday rush. The combination of textures, along with its vivid color, brings joy to the plate, making it ideal to share with loved ones. Follow us on Pinterest for more festive and delicious recipes like this!

Ingredients Needed for This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

• Pasta: 1 pound rotini or farfalle (bowtie) pasta

• Vegetables:

* 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed * 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved * 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced * 1/2 cup cucumber, diced * 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or green), diced

• Cheese:

* 1 cup mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini), halved or quartered * 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• Dressing:

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise * 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard * 1 clove garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning * Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional Add Ins:

* Cooked ham or turkey, diced * Cranberries, dried * Walnuts or pecans, chopped * Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

How to Make This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Pasta: Cook rotini or farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

1. 2. Prepare the Vegetables: Lightly steam the broccoli florets until tender crisp. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, dice the cucumber, and dice the bell pepper. Set aside.

1. 3. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, steamed broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, mozzarella cheese balls, and grated Parmesan cheese.

1. 5. Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

1. 6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial to enhance the delicious harmony of the festive christmas pasta salad.

1. 7. Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss. Add any optional ingredients such as diced ham or turkey, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans, or fresh parsley or basil. Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

Serve this festive christmas pasta salad chilled as a vibrant and refreshing side dish to your holiday meal. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main course such as a lentil loaf. Consider serving it alongside Holiday Pigs In A Blanket Festive Christmas Appetizers Recipe.

For a visually appealing presentation, arrange the festive christmas pasta salad in a large serving bowl. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil, and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You might also add a few whole cherry tomatoes or a sprig of rosemary for an extra festive touch. This is also delightful to serve as a light lunch or potluck dish.

How to Store This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers of this festive christmas pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Freezing: Freezing this pasta salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and vegetables may become soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days. Reheating: This pasta salad is best served cold. No reheating is necessary. Simply take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy. If you find it a touch dry after refrigeration, you may add a small amount of olive oil or mayonnaise to rehydrate.

Tips to Make This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

• Pasta Perfection: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.

• Vegetable Prep: Chop vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even distribution of flavors.

• Dressing Balance: Adjust the dressing to your liking. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more red wine vinegar.

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap vegetables with your favorites. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini also work well. Use Dense Bean Salad Recipe for a delightful twist.

• Flavor Enhancement: Allow the pasta salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Helpful Notes for This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

For a lighter dressing, use all Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream. It will add a tangy twist while keeping the dish lower in fat.

If you want to add a protein element, consider adding cooked and diced grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can even use crumbled feta to replace mozzarella, providing a salty and creamy alternative.

For the Italian seasoning, you can use a store bought mix or create your own by combining dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

Variation of This festive christmas pasta salad Recipe

Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flavor. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat. Hearty Winter Version: Incorporate roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Feel free to try a Heart Shaped Caprese Salad for inspiration when considering fun alternatives. Creamy Avocado Addition: Add diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Conclusion

I sincerely hope you enjoy making and sharing this festive christmas pasta salad as much as I do. Its vibrant flavors and colors bring a special touch to any holiday gathering. May this recipe become a cherished tradition in your family, bringing joy and deliciousness to your celebrations.

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you’ve made any delightful modifications. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more joyful meals with this festive christmas pasta salad!