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Easy July 4th Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe Perfect for a Crowd

July 4th potluck pasta salad - featured image
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A quick, colorful, and crowd-pleasing pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings and potlucks, featuring fresh veggies, olives, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup cubed mozzarella or feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound (450 g) of rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 red bell pepper and 1 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup red onion, and slice 1/2 cup black olives. Place all chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with veggies. If using, add 1 cup cubed mozzarella or feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly. If the salad seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Notes

Toss pasta while still slightly warm to help absorb dressing better. Rinse pasta under cold water after draining to stop cooking and keep veggies crunchy. Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste. Can be made a day ahead for better flavor melding. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option. Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternative for vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, potluck recipe, summer salad, July 4th recipe, crowd-pleaser, easy pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/easy-july-4th-potluck-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-a-crowd/