If you are hunting for a vibrant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying pasta dish, this Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with colorful vegetables, creamy mozzarella, and zesty Italian dressing, every forkful bursts with fresh tastes and delightful textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, need a speedy side for dinner, or want a make-ahead dish that impresses, this salad delivers on all fronts with ease and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something unique to the party. From the tender pasta that forms the hearty base to the crisp vegetables adding crunch and brightness, these components work together beautifully to create a dish you’ll want on repeat.
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta: Their spiral shapes hold the dressing perfectly for every bite.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy and sweet, they add vibrant color and juicy pops of flavor.
- 1 cup cucumber (diced): Fresh and cool, cucumber brings a refreshing crunch to balance the salad.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely red hue.
- 1/2 cup black olives (sliced): Briny and bold, olives offer an exciting contrast.
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Sharp and zesty, a little onion kick brightens the salad.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese: Creamy and mild, mozzarella makes the dish wonderfully indulgent.
- 1/4 cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional): Adds a savory, meaty element if you want extra protein and flavor.
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing: Brings all the ingredients together with herbs, tang, and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat everything smoothly and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a Mediterranean essence and earthy depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal pop and visually beautiful finish.
How to Make Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your rotini or fusilli pasta until it reaches al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. This texture is important because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when chilled later. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables and Cheese
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, thinly slice red onion, and slice black olives. If you’re using mozzarella pearls, they’re ready to toss right in; if cubed, cut them into bite-sized pieces for even distribution of cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Combine All the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and the fresh vegetables along with the mozzarella and optional salami or pepperoni. Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over top, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated and shining with dressing.
Step 4: Chill to Marry the Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate your Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial because it allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, turning the salad from good to spectacular.
Step 5: Final Toss and Garnish
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color, making every serving picture-perfect.
How to Serve Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten and add a lovely aroma to this pasta salad. If you want to get fancy, try adding some toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan for extra texture and flavor that elevates the dish to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette. It also shines as part of a casual buffet or potluck spread, complementing everything from burgers to barbecued ribs with its fresh, tangy charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or cherry tomatoes stuffed with a small portion. Individual mason jars are also a fun way to portion it for picnics and packed lunches and keep the salad fresh until ready to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe holds up well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and ensure the flavors stay vibrant. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Pasta salads with fresh vegetables and cheese generally do not freeze well, as the texture of the vegetables and cheese can become watery or grainy after thawing. For the best experience, enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days after making it.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it lose its chill slightly and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the salami or pepperoni slices, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian pasta salad that’s just as flavorful and satisfying.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you prefer, you can use a homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs or any other dressing that you love to customize the flavor to your liking.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can make this pasta salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners. It stores well and provides a balanced combination of carbs, veggies, and protein.
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in extras like artichoke hearts, chickpeas, avocado, or fresh herbs to put your own delicious spin on this Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly wonderful about a pasta salad that’s bursting with fresh flavor, crunchy vegetables, and creamy cheese all tossed together with aromatic herbs and a lively dressing. This Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen for good reason—it’s simple to make, adaptable, and tastes incredible every time. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and share it with your friends and family to experience the joy this salad brings.
Print
Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Supreme Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful cold pasta dish combining rotini pasta with fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and optional salami, all tossed in a zesty Italian dressing dressed with olive oil and oregano. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized with various mix-ins.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Cheese and Meat
- 1/2 cup mozzarella pearls or cubed cheese
- 1/4 cup salami or pepperoni slices (optional)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced black olives, thinly sliced red onion, mozzarella pearls or cubes, and salami or pepperoni if using.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over the salad. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad a good toss again and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add other mix-ins such as artichoke hearts, chickpeas, or avocado to customize the salad.
- This pasta salad holds well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or potlucks.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami or pepperoni.
