Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes for All Occasions: A Family Secret

Have you ever wondered what the best recipe for pasta salad is? Many people find answers in their family recipes, passed down through generations. My mother’s pasta salad is just one of those special dishes that’s both a family favorite and a kitchen sink recipe. Today, I’ll share both the traditional recipe and a homemade dressing variation, ensuring you can enjoy this delightful dish any time!

Traditional Pasta Salad Recipe

Creating a delicious pasta salad doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a simple yet flavorful recipe that you can make at home.

Ingredients

8 ounces (about 225g) of pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well) 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup of diced cucumber 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (any color you prefer) 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion 1/4 cup of sliced black olives 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing

1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar 1 clove of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon of honey Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and allow it to cool completely. Prepare the vegetables by chopping them as instructed above. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. If using, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the salad. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with salt and pepper. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold as a side dish or a light main course.

Homemade Dressing Recipe

Enjoy a more versatile and personalized take on pasta salad with a homemade dressing. This version offers a twist on the traditional dressing, with a touch of mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

A couple of large spoons of mayonnaise 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar 1/2 cup of olive oil A bit of salt and pepper Shredded onion, celery, green and red peppers, and sliced olives (optional) Minced garlic Rough-chopped parsley, oregano, and basil (optional)

Instructions

Combine a couple of spoons of mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar to the mayonnaise. Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Shred any leftover vegetables you have, such as onion, celery, green and red peppers, and sliced olives (optional). Mince a few cloves of garlic and add it to the bowl. Chop rough parsley, oregano, and basil (optional) and add to the bowl. Bring all ingredients together with a rubber spatula, mixing well. Chill the pasta salad for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to blend together. Serve cold as a side dish or a light main course.

Remember, always use a rubber spatula to mix ingredients instead of a large spoon. Mixing with a larger spoon can lead to cutting up the ingredients, whereas a rubber spatula provides a smoother and more even mix.

Whether you prefer the traditional or homemade dressing, these delicious pasta salads are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering. Enjoy your meal and the flavors that bring your family and friends together!