Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
Pasta salads have long been a summertime staple, offering a refreshing and versatile option for meals and gatherings. But the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad takes this classic dish to new heights, blending an array of vibrant flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
This crowd-pleasing recipe has become a perennial favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With its perfect balance of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing, the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is a dish that truly lives up to its name.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s so much to love about this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad. First and foremost, the combination of flavors is simply sublime. The savory tang of the dressing, the crunch of the vegetables, and the satisfying bite of the pasta create a textural masterpiece that will have you coming back for more.
But it’s not just the taste that makes this recipe a standout. It’s also incredibly accessible, with many of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples. This means you can whip up a batch of this pasta salad on a moment’s notice, making it the perfect choice for impromptu gatherings or meal prep. And the best part? It’s a make-ahead wonder, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy its flavors for days to come.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Salad Supreme Pasta Salad ❓
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini (optional)
• For the dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of colorful vegetables, tangy dressing, and a touch of Parmesan cheese creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced black olives, diced cucumber, and grated Parmesan cheese. If using, also add the sliced pepperoncini.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
Compared to traditional Italian-style pasta salads, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad saves you 10 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 547mg
These Salad Supreme Pasta Salads provide approximately 13% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute spiralized zucchini or cucumber noodles for some of the pasta, or use a low-carb pasta variety.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as nutritional yeast or almond-based “parmesan.”
• Added protein: Mix in grilled or roasted chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add additional diced vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or broccoli, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Complement the pasta salad with a crisp green salad or a light, tomato-based soup for a well-rounded lunch or dinner.
• For a picnic or potluck, create an Italian-inspired platter by adding sliced salami, fresh mozzarella, and garlic breadsticks.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not properly cooling the pasta: Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Skimping on the dressing: The dressing is the key to the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad’s delicious flavor, so be sure to use the full amount and toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly.
• Not chilling the salad long enough: For the best flavor and texture, the pasta salad needs at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Salad Supreme Pasta Salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: For longer storage, the pasta salad can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If the pasta salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration or thawing, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of extra dressing to restore the creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this pasta salad is best when made a day or two in advance. The flavors have time to meld, and the texture improves as the pasta absorbs the dressing. You can prepare the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving.
Can I substitute different vegetables in the recipe?
Yes, the beauty of this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is its versatility. You can swap out or add any of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or diced celery. Just be sure to keep the overall vegetable ratio similar to the original recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a specific dietary restriction?
With a few simple substitutions, this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free “parmesan” alternative. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta variety. And for a lower-carb option, you can replace some of the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cucumber noodles.
What can I do if my pasta salad turns out too dry?
If your Salad Supreme Pasta Salad seems a bit dry after chilling, simply stir in an extra tablespoon or two of the dressing until you reach the desired consistency. The key is to make sure the pasta is evenly coated and the vegetables are well-incorporated.
Can I add any additional ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is a great canvas for customization. You can add diced chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein, or mix in additional chopped herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a flavor boost. Just be mindful of not overloading the salad with too many mix-ins.
Conclusion
These Salad Supreme Pasta Salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing side dish for a summer barbecue or packing them for a picnic lunch, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, tangy dressing, and satisfying texture.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this versatile and delicious recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
Print
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 (16 oz) package of your favorite pasta, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini (optional)
• For the dressing: 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced black olives, diced cucumber, and grated Parmesan cheese. If using, also add the sliced pepperoncini.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
