Summer Garden Pasta Salad
This vibrant Summer Garden Pasta Salad is my go-to dish for al fresco dining and potluck gatherings. Packed with colorful vegetables and coated in a zesty Italian dressing, this refreshing salad eliminates the need for cooking on hot days. The combination of rotini pasta and fresh produce not only makes it visually appealing but also highlights the flavors of summer. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, whether they are kids or adults. Feel free to customize it further with your favorite cheeses or olives. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful addition to your summer menu!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini or shell pasta
16 ounces (dry)
zesty Italian dressing
8 ounces (bottle)
McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
4 tablespoons (n/a)
assorted raw vegetables
5 cups (bite-sized pieces (tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, red onions))
sliced olives
to taste (optional)
mozzarella cheese
to taste (optional, diced or shredded)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold running water to cool it down quickly. Allow any excess water to drain off.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, zesty Italian dressing, and McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
3
Prepare your assorted raw vegetables by washing and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped vegetables to the pasta mixture and gently fold them in until everything is incorporated.
4
If using, stir in the sliced olives and mozzarella cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your refreshing Summer Garden Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Garden Pasta Salad?
Summer Garden Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish filled with colorful vegetables and rotini pasta, tossed in a zesty Italian dressing.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 16 ounces of rotini or shell pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What is the key dressing for this salad?
An 8-ounce bottle of zesty Italian dressing is used to coat the salad.
What specific seasoning is suggested?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning.
Which vegetables are included in the 'assorted raw vegetables'?
Commonly used vegetables for this salad include tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and red onions.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It is best to refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I add cheese to the Summer Garden Pasta Salad?
Yes, you can stir in diced or shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Are olives a required ingredient?
No, sliced olives are an optional ingredient and can be added to taste.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold running water after draining to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
Wash and cut the raw vegetables into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the pasta.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetable-heavy pasta salad that is naturally vegetarian.
Can I use a different type of pasta if I don't have rotini?
Yes, shell pasta or other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle will work well.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead is recommended as it gives the dressing more time to soak into the ingredients.
What should I do if the salad looks dry after refrigerating?
Give the salad a quick toss before serving; you can also add a splash more dressing if needed.
How many cups of vegetables should I use?
The recipe suggests using a total of 5 cups of assorted raw vegetables.
Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add cooked chicken, ham, or pepperoni for added protein.
Is this a good recipe for a potluck?
Absolutely! It is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to transport and serves a large group.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of raw?
Raw vegetables are preferred for their crunch and fresh flavor, but blanched frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch.
How long will leftovers last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers should stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cheese and ensure the Italian dressing you use is vegan-friendly.
Does this recipe require cooking on a stove?
The only cooking required is boiling the pasta; the rest of the ingredients are added raw or pre-prepared.
What flavor profile does the Salad Supreme seasoning add?
It adds a savory, slightly spicy, and herbaceous flavor with a hint of cheese and seeds.
Can I use light Italian dressing?
Yes, light or fat-free Italian dressing can be used, though it may slightly alter the richness of the salad.
Should the vegetables be peeled?
Peeling is optional; carrots should usually be peeled or scrubbed, but most other vegetables can be used with their skins on.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta dish, perfect for hot summer days.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh parsley, basil, or oregano would make excellent additions for extra freshness.
What makes this salad 'Summer Garden' style?
It is named for the abundance of fresh, crisp garden vegetables used throughout the dish.
Can I use a different cheese than mozzarella?
Yes, feta, sharp cheddar, or parmesan flakes would all be delicious alternatives.