Easy Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

When the sun is shining and the grill is sizzling, nothing quite says summer like a Memorial Day classic pasta salad. This vibrant dish bursts with color and flavor that will have your taste buds dancing like they just won the lottery. Imagine twirling your fork through al dente pasta mixed with crunchy veggies, zesty dressing, and a sprinkle of herbs that make you feel like you’re dining al fresco in Italy.

Now, let’s be honest—there’s something about a good pasta salad that brings back memories of family picnics and backyard barbecues. Picture this: your aunt Carol trying to outdo herself every year with her “secret recipe,” only for everyone to know she just added a little extra ranch dressing to store-bought mayo (sorry, Aunt Carol!). But I digress; let’s dive into this deliciousness that will impress even the most discerning palate!

Last summer’s BBQ was unforgettable when my cousin declared this pasta salad “the best dish ever” while going back for thirds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use rotini or penne; their shapes hold onto dressing and mix beautifully with other ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for colorful varieties for visual appeal and juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Bell Peppers: Choose red, yellow, or orange peppers to add sweetness and crunch; slicing them into bite-sized pieces helps balance textures.
• Cucumber: A refreshing addition; peel if you prefer less bitterness or leave it on for extra nutrients.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite; soak sliced onion in cold water briefly to mellow its intensity before adding.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it enhances all flavors when blended together.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; avoid bottled juice if possible for maximum freshness.
• Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy flavor; using dried herbs allows them to infuse more intensely into dressings.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences—don’t be shy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for an easy yet rewarding cooking experience as we dive into making this scrumptious Memorial Day classic pasta salad.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.

Chop Your Veggies: While waiting for the pasta, chop cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Your chopping skills may surprise you!

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined. The aroma should be heavenly at this point—take a moment to enjoy it!

Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with chopped veggies. Pour over dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Chill Before Serving: Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so flavors meld beautifully together.

Enjoying this delightful dish will make your gatherings memorable while keeping everyone coming back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente while prepping your veggies. Toss them together with dressing for best flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies based on your preference or seasonality. Adding olives or cherry tomatoes can elevate the salad.

Storing & Reheating

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold without reheating for optimal taste.

Creating this delicious Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad brought back memories of family picnics filled with laughter, sunshine, and delicious food shared among friends.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well and maintains great texture when cooked properly.

How long can I store leftovers of Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing quality.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead to enhance flavors before serving at your gathering.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Packed with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing, this easy pasta salad will delight your guests and elevate any picnic or barbecue.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well coated.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Customize your salad by adding olives or seasonal vegetables.
•  To keep pasta fresh, rinse it under cold water after cooking.
•  This salad can be made a day in advance to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg