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Loaded Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Potluck-Perfect Pasta Salad Ideas to Impress

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A quick and easy loaded pasta salad perfect for potlucks, featuring a creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and savory cheese and olives. Flexible and forgiving, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized with available ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast or cubed salami (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Set aside to drain well.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and finely chop 1/4 cup red onion, if using. Slice 1/2 cup black olives. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with veggies. Toss in 1 cup shredded cheese and optional 1 cup cooked diced chicken or salami. Pour the dressing over everything and gently fold until well coated.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil, folding lightly to distribute.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent sogginess. Chill salad for at least 1 hour to meld flavors. Fold gently to avoid breaking pasta or bruising veggies. Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or dairy-free versions. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, loaded pasta salad, creamy dressing, summer salad, quick dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/loaded-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-potluck-perfect-pasta-salad-ideas-to-impress/