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salad supreme pasta salad recipe

Easy Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe Your Family Will Love

Salad supreme pasta salad recipe offers a vibrant blend of textures and flavors. Its a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish thats both easy to make and highly customizable.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dishes, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap or airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or shells)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures the pasta doesn't become mushy.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Ensure the sugar and salt are fully dissolved for an even flavor distribution.
  • Step 3: Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, black olives, and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all ingredients together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Step 4: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, enhancing its overall taste. Serve cold and enjoy. Optional tips: For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. To customize the vegetables, consider adding broccoli florets, carrots, or celery. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise or sour cream.

Notes

Variations

The salad supreme pasta salad recipe lends itself to a multitude of variations, allowing for customization based on taste preferences, regional influences, or dietary needs.
  • Ingredient Swaps:
    • Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or chickpeas can be added for a protein boost.
    • Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, feta, or provolone.
    • Vegetables: Incorporate broccoli florets, carrots, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
    • Dressing: Experiment with ranch, Italian vinaigrette, or a homemade lemon-herb dressing.
  • Regional Twists:
    • Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
    • Mexican: Incorporate black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
    • Italian: Use pesto as a base for the dressing and add fresh mozzarella balls and basil.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
    • Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives. Omit cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
    • Vegan: Omit cheese and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Consider adding plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.
    • Lower-Fat: Substitute light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for sour cream. Increase the amount of vegetables to add bulk without extra fat.

Serving Suggestions

Salad supreme pasta salad recipe is a versatile dish suitable for a variety of occasions. It is an excellent choice for:
  • Potlucks and barbecues
  • Picnics
  • Lunchboxes
  • Light dinners
  • Side dish accompanying grilled meats or fish
It is best served chilled. Garnishing with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can enhance its visual appeal.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of the salad supreme pasta salad recipe.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • The salad is best consumed within 3-4 days.
  • If the salad appears dry, adding a small amount of dressing before serving can restore its moisture.
  • It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may be compromised upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavor as the ingredients meld together.
Question 2: The dressing seems thick. Can it be thinned?
Answer: Yes, a small amount of milk or vinegar can be added to thin the dressing if desired.
Question 3: Can other types of pasta be used?
Answer: Absolutely. While rotini, farfalle, and shells are recommended, any short pasta shape with ridges or crevices works well.
Question 4: Is it possible to add meat to the salad?
Answer: Yes, grilled chicken, ham, or shrimp can be added.
Keyword Pasta Salad,