Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad Medley
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad Medley! Perfect for picnics, cookouts, or just a refreshing meal, this pasta salad combines al dente mini penne with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, sweet and spicy pickles, and sharp cheddar cheese. Tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing that balances tanginess and sweetness, this dish is sure to be a summertime favorite. Ideal for sharing at potlucks, this recipe serves 12-16 and can be prepared a day in advance for a hassle-free entertaining experience.
14
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry mini penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente and rinsed in cool water)
red onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
sweet & spicy pickles
20 ounces (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
6 ounces (cut into cubes)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
4 tablespoons (none)
pickle juice
4 tablespoons (none)
ground black pepper or garlic powder
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the mini penne pasta until al dente, as per package instructions. Be sure not to overcook. Drain and rinse the pasta under cool water to stop the cooking process.
2
In the biggest serving bowl you can find, add the cooled pasta.
3
Chop the red onion, red bell pepper, sweet and spicy pickles, and cheddar cheese into bite-sized pieces. Add all the chopped ingredients to the bowl with pasta.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sugar, and pickle juice. Stir until well combined, creating a creamy dressing. Season it to taste with ground black pepper or garlic powder.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated and no dry spots remain.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving. This pasta salad can also be made the night before for improved flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Summer Pasta Salad Medley?
It is a refreshing and creamy side dish featuring mini penne, fresh vegetables, sweet and spicy pickles, and sharp cheddar cheese, specifically designed for summer gatherings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for dry mini penne pasta, which provides a perfect size-to-ingredient ratio for every bite.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while mini penne is recommended, other small shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or farfalle will work well.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves a large group of 12 to 16 people, making it ideal for potlucks and family reunions.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped red onion and red bell pepper for crunch and color.
What kind of pickles should I use?
The recipe specifies 20 ounces of sweet and spicy pickles for a unique balance of heat and sweetness.
Can I use regular dill pickles instead?
You can use dill pickles, but the final flavor profile will be more savory and tart rather than the intended sweet and spicy profile.
What type of cheese is used?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is used to provide a bold, tangy flavor that stands up to the dressing.
How should the cheese be prepared?
The cheddar cheese should be cut into small, uniform cubes rather than shredded.
Is the dressing creamy?
Yes, the dressing is a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream balanced with vinegar and sugar.
What are the dressing ingredients?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, sugar, and pickle juice.
Why is pickle juice added to the dressing?
Pickle juice adds extra tanginess and helps thin the dressing so it coats the pasta evenly.
How long should I cook the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions to ensure it holds its shape in the salad.
Should I rinse the pasta after boiling?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cool water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to make it at least 3 hours in advance, or even the night before, for the best flavor.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for a minimum of 3 hours before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the mini penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
How do I make this pasta salad vegan?
To make it vegan, use plant-based mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and a dairy-free cheddar cheese substitute.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding cubed ham, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon bits can turn this side dish into a full meal.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing.
Is the salad suitable for outdoor picnics?
Yes, but because it contains mayonnaise and sour cream, it should be kept in a cooler and not left out in the sun for more than 2 hours.
What if I find the red onion flavor too strong?
You can soak the chopped onions in cold water for 10 minutes then drain them, or substitute with milder green onions.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, the sugar can be adjusted to your personal preference, though it helps balance the vinegar and pickles.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are suitable substitutes if red wine vinegar is unavailable.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a chilled salad and should be served cold for the most refreshing experience.
How should I season the final dish?
Season it to taste with ground black pepper or garlic powder once the dressing is tossed with the ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, diced celery, cucumbers, or peas would be excellent additions to increase the vegetable medley.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
A standard serving size is roughly 1 cup, though the recipe yield is measured for 14 large portions.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier substitute for mayonnaise, though it will be tangier and less sweet.