Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced; 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Published: April 29, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delectable Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad is incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy days.
It’s bursting with fresh flavors that appeal to both kids and adults alike.
The stunning colors make it a showstopper on any table.
Plus, you can easily customize it based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences!

Sharing this delightful dish at family get-togethers always results in smiles and satisfied stomachs. It’s hard not to feel joy when everyone enjoys a helping (or three) of this crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients

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

Pasta: Use rotini or fusilli for great texture; these shapes hold onto the dressing beautifully.
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for vibrant red or yellow ones; they add a burst of sweetness and color.
Cucumber: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; peel them if desired to enhance the flavor.
Bell Peppers: A mix of colors adds visual appeal; go for red, yellow, or orange varieties.
Red Onion: Slice thinly for a mild bite; soaking in cold water reduces sharpness if preferred.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it enhances all the flavors.
Vinegar: White wine or apple cider vinegar provides a tangy kick that brightens up the salad.
Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon adds depth; it’s optional but truly elevates the dressing’s flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all other flavors; adjust according to taste preference.
Fresh Herbs (Basil or Parsley): Chopped herbs bring freshness; feel free to mix different herbs based on your taste!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Get ready to create an unforgettable Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad that will have everyone coming back for more!

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cools down, chop your cherry tomatoes into halves and dice cucumber and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice red onion after soaking it in cold water.

Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until combined well. The aroma should be pleasantly tangy with hints of richness.

Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared veggies. Pour dressing over everything generously while tossing gently until evenly coated.

Add Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle them onto your salad mixture. Give it one last toss to mix those fragrant herbs throughout your salad.

This delightful dish can be served immediately but tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for about an hour. Enjoying each bite on a sunny day will surely lift spirits!

With this recipe in hand, you will impress your guests while keeping everything lighthearted—after all—it’s just pasta salad! Now grab those ingredients from your kitchen cupboard and let’s get started on this culinary adventure together!

You Must Know

Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor; don’t skimp on basil and parsley!
I once forgot the basil, and it was like a bad breakup—just didn’t feel right.
Chill your pasta salad before serving for a refreshing taste that enhances every bite.
Taste as you go!
Adjusting seasoning can elevate the dish from basic to fabulous, making it uniquely yours.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cook your pasta al dente to ensure it holds up in the salad. While the pasta cooks, chop veggies and prepare dressing to save time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on personal preference. Try cherry tomatoes or bell peppers instead of cucumbers for variety!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold as is; no reheating needed!

Chef's Helpful Tips

To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to cook it al dente.
Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors that pop in every bite.
Letting the salad chill melds flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dish.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of a sunny Memorial Day BBQ last year when my cousin couldn’t stop raving about my pasta salad—that’s when I knew I nailed it!

FAQ

Can I make Memorial Day Classic Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for improved flavor.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

How do I keep my pasta from sticking together?

Rinse cooked pasta under cold water before combining with other ingredients to prevent sticking.

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