Best Pasta Salad Ever

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Set the pasta aside to drain completely.

2. Prepare the Veggies and Add-ins

While the pasta is cooking, you can prep your vegetables and other add-ins. Slice the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Dice the red onion, and if you’re using black olives, slice them as well. You can also crumble the cooked bacon if you haven’t done so already.

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For example, baby carrots, zucchini, or avocado could also make great additions!

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano, and stir until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a splash of milk or buttermilk to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Combine the Salad

Once the pasta is cooled and your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared vegetables, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon (if using).

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently until evenly coated. Make sure every piece of pasta and veggie is dressed in the creamy goodness!

5. Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. However, if you’re short on time, you can enjoy it immediately. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and taste for seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of extra vinegar if needed.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness just before serving.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad:

• Use a good pasta shape: Choose pasta that has lots of surface area for the dressing to cling to, such as rotini, fusilli, or penne. These shapes will hold up well when mixed with the creamy dressing.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: You want the pasta to be al dente, not mushy. Overcooked pasta can make your salad soggy and lose its texture.
• Customize with your favorite ingredients: This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you prefer. Try adding grilled chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or crumbled feta cheese for added protein and flavor.
• Make it a day ahead: Pasta salad actually gets better the longer it sits! Preparing it the day before allows the flavors to develop and gives the dressing time to really soak into the pasta.
• Adjust the dressing: If you like a tangier salad, increase the vinegar or add a bit more Dijon mustard. For extra creaminess, add more mayonnaise or sour cream.

Why This is the Best Pasta Salad Ever:

This Best Pasta Salad Ever recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing is rich and tangy, but not too heavy, allowing the fresh vegetables and savory bacon to shine through. The cheddar cheese adds a comforting richness, while the crisp veggies bring a refreshing crunch. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether served as a side or eaten as a meal on its own.

Not only is this pasta salad incredibly delicious, but it’s also easy to make and customizable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences, and it’s the kind of dish that can be made ahead, freeing up time for other tasks.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, going to a potluck, or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. It’s colorful, flavorful, and satisfying, making it the ultimate side dish to accompany grilled meats, sandwiches, or even just eaten on its own as a light, refreshing meal.

So next time you’re looking for the best pasta salad to impress your guests or treat your family, give this recipe a try. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!