This classic Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-have for any Independence Day celebration. It’s cool, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors that pair perfectly with grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and barbecue ribs. Easy to make ahead and even better after chilling, this pasta salad is ideal for backyard cookouts, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. With tender pasta, crisp vegetables, savory cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that belongs on every summer holiday table.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini (spiral) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese cubes or pearls
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup Italian-style salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Directions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely. Shake off excess water.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, olives, mozzarella, and red onion.
- Pour Italian dressing and olive oil over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir once more before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Best Practices:
- For best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta—it should be firm enough to hold up to the dressing.
- Make this salad up to 24 hours ahead for stress-free holiday prep.
- If serving outdoors on a hot day, keep chilled and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly for food safety.
- Add grilled chicken, salami, or pepperoni for a heartier main-dish pasta salad.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Conclusion
This festive Pasta Salad Recipe is a summer classic that fits right into any Independence Day menu. Its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and easy preparation make it a reliable side dish you’ll turn to again and again throughout the season. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or bringing a dish to share, this pasta salad delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort—leaving you more time to enjoy the celebration.
