Simple Pasta Salad
An easy, yet very delicious pasta salad recipe that is the perfect side dish for any BBQ, picnic, pot luck, or cook out.
I know the 4th of July is coming up so I’m trying to be timely with my posts so as to give you as many good ideas before the holiday as I can. Normally I’m one of those food bloggers who is scrambling to get out holiday recipes like 2 days before the actual holiday, but this last minute trip to Hawaii has forced me to be organized. I should plan trips here more often! Ready for this simple pasta salad?
I made this great pasta salad a few weeks ago when we had my in-laws over for dinner and it would be perfect for any BBQ plans you may have. It doesn’t even have to be a BBQ, it can be an indoor non-cookout dinner, of course. I love a good pasta salad and am digging this Chicken Club Sausage Pasta Salad.
Pasta salads are so easy to make and no matter what you add to them, as long as the veggies are good and fresh, you use a good quality dressing, and give it time to chill for the flavors to get to know each other, it will be delicious. This one is best to left to sit overnight in the ‘fridge! Even Mr. Wishes, who isn’t all that fond of pasta salad, said it was very good! Our favorite is my Classic Italian Pasta Salad.
You can even add green and black olives (I love olives), salami, fresh mozzarella, anything you like! Or cut up some grilled chicken and throw it on top to make this a meal. Enjoy this tasty, light side dish for these hot summer days! Be sure to also check out my Sausage Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. I love meat in pasta salad! I am also loving this Southwestern Pasta Salad from my friend Amy.
- 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta (any similar pasta will do)
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing (use a good quality dressing)
- 2 medium sized cucumbers, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Place pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the Italian dressing, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and gently mix into the salad. Cover, and refrigerate until serving.
Perfect timing on this recipe Ashley. I was just trying to decide on a pasta salad and this one looks great and I love how easy it is to prepare. Thanks!
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This is very similar to a chicken pasta salad that I make. That reminds me, I should totally make this for our annual cookout!
It is always great to have some fun BBQ favorites for the 4th of July picnic and pasta salad is always a delicious and easy one to have on hand. I always love putting lots of fresh herbs from garden in as well. I so miss living in the States this time of the year with the parades and activities. Happy Early 4th of july.
Yum! I have a pasta salad of my own coming up next week 🙂 I totally agree- I love how easy and yummy pasta salads are! Always a crowd pleaser.
This looks so good. I love pasta salad!
It’s not summer without pasta salad!
Pasta salads are some of the best barbecue side dishes ever! This looks great, Ashley, and perfect timing. 🙂
Simple and delightful. Perfect fare for the summer!
This looks great! It is so close to my favorite pasta salad. Just simple and yummy!
Nothing better than a good pasta salad for a bbq dinner. This one sounds delish!
Nothing beats a cold pasta salad on a hot summer day. Yours looks delicious and sounds really easy to put together!
You can’t go wrong with pasta salad, ideal for the summer.
Looks wonderful! Have fun in Hawaii!! We went in Feb and LOVED it!
I love simple pasta salads for the holidays! You can never have to many recipes for all the picnics and BBQs going on!
Pasta salad in a staple in my summer diet, it’s just so fresh and tasty! I’m trying this lovely version soon, it sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Can you believe we haven’t had pasta salad yet this year? I know, how disappointing! Might have to make a batch tonight now!
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What kind and size tomatoes do you use?
Just a medium size tomato is fine!