Print

Supreme Pasta Salad

Supreme Pasta Salad

Supreme Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish featuring rotini or penne pasta tossed with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese. Coated in a creamy, tangy homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning, this salad combines vibrant textures and flavors. Perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, picnics, or easy dinners, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes and customizable to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad

  • 3 cups rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup mixed-color bell peppers, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion, chopped
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese

For the Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure fresh crunch in every bite.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with all the chopped vegetables, black olives, cheese cubes, and the dressing. Mix gently but thoroughly, coating every piece evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil and extra black olives if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keep it al dente for the best texture.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water to prevent clumping and stop cooking.
  • Chop vegetables and make dressing ahead to speed up assembly.
  • Adjust dressing thickness by adding olive oil for creaminess or more yogurt for lightness.
  • Chilling the salad enhances flavors and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Supreme Pasta Salad, cold pasta salad, potluck recipes, summer salad, creamy pasta salad