Pasta Salad for a Crowd is the ultimate go-to dish for gatherings, potlucks, and family reunions. Bursting with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a flavorful dressing, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. It’s refreshing, versatile, and perfect for making ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta salad is ideal for feeding a large group without much hassle. It’s budget-friendly, can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients, and holds up beautifully even after sitting out for a bit. Plus, it pairs well with a wide variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumbers, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Bell peppers (any color), diced
- Black olives, sliced
- Cheddar cheese cubes
- Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, black olives, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This Pasta Salad for a Crowd serves approximately 20-25 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Add cooked and diced chicken for extra protein.
- Swap the Italian dressing for ranch or a homemade vinaigrette.
- Include other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots.
- Incorporate a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella balls or feta.
- Mix in pepperoni slices for a fun, pizza-flavored twist.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating is not recommended, as this is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the salad dries out a little, simply toss it with a bit more dressing before serving.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make pasta salad?
You can make pasta salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just stir well and refresh with extra dressing before serving.
What type of pasta works best for pasta salad?
Short, sturdy pastas like rotini, penne, or bowties hold up best in pasta salads.
Can I freeze pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change significantly.
How do I keep pasta salad from drying out?
Toss the salad with a little extra dressing right before serving to keep it moist and flavorful.
What’s the best dressing for pasta salad?
Italian dressing is a classic choice, but ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a simple olive oil and vinegar mix also work well.
Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
Yes, diced chicken, ham, salami, or even bacon bits are great additions to make it heartier.
Is it okay to serve pasta salad at room temperature?
Yes, pasta salad can safely sit out for about 2 hours at room temperature, making it perfect for parties and picnics.
How do I make pasta salad healthier?
Use whole grain pasta, lots of fresh veggies, and a lighter dressing or vinaigrette to make a healthier version.
What cheeses are best for pasta salad?
Cheddar cubes, mozzarella balls, feta, and Parmesan are all excellent options for pasta salad.
How much pasta do I need per person?
Plan on about 2 ounces of uncooked pasta per person for a side dish serving.
Conclusion
Pasta Salad for a Crowd is an easy, delicious way to feed a lot of people without a lot of stress. It’s endlessly customizable, holds up beautifully, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether for a casual barbecue or a festive celebration, this pasta salad is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for every gathering.
Print
Pasta Salad For A Crowd
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta Salad For A Crowd is a hearty, colorful dish loaded with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for large gatherings, potlucks, and parties.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 1/2 cups black olives, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a very large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Pour Italian dressing over the mixture and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything thoroughly until well combined and evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use tri-color pasta for a festive, colorful presentation.
- Add grilled chicken or salami to make it a complete meal.
- Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg