labor day pasta salad pasta

Author of this recipe: Gayle Belrose

"Celebrate Labor Day with this easy pasta salad recipe! Perfect for BBQs, featuring fresh veggies, zesty dressing, and al dente pasta. Quick & delicious!"

Tag your creation with #EatsNowRecipes!

Ingredients

• Here’s a list of ingredients for a **Labor Day Pasta Salad** that’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings. This recipe is easy to make, fresh, and packed with flavor. The ingredients are formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you find and share this delicious dish:
• - **Pasta**: 16 oz (1 lb) of rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta (choose whole wheat or gluten-free for dietary preferences).
• - **Cherry Tomatoes**: 1 pint, halved (adds a burst of freshness and color).
• - **Cucumber**: 1 medium, diced (for a crisp, refreshing crunch).
• - **Red Onion**: 1/2 cup, finely chopped (adds a tangy bite).
• - **Bell Peppers**: 1 cup, diced (use a mix of red, yellow, or green for vibrant color).
• - **Black Olives**: 1/2 cup, sliced (for a briny, savory flavor).
• - **Pepperoni**: 1 cup, sliced into small pieces (optional, for a meaty twist).
• - **Mozzarella Cheese**: 1 cup, cubed or pearl-sized (adds creamy richness).
• - **Fresh Basil**: 1/4 cup, chopped (for a fragrant, herby finish).
• - **Italian Dressing**: 1 cup (store-bought or homemade; use zesty or creamy for variety).
• - **Olive Oil**: 2 tbsp (for extra richness and to prevent sticking).
• - **Red Wine Vinegar**: 2 tbsp (adds tangy depth to the dressing).
• - **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced (for a bold, savory flavor).
• - **Salt and Pepper**: To taste (enhances all the flavors).
• - **Parmesan Cheese**: 1/4 cup, grated (optional, for a nutty, salty topping).
• - **Fresh Spinach or Arugula**: 1 cup (optional, for added greens and nutrients).
• **Pro Tip**: Customize your Labor Day pasta salad with additional ingredients like grilled chicken, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
• This **easy pasta salad recipe** is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a side dish for your Labor Day BBQ. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and full of fresh, seasonal ingredients!

Steps

1. # How to Make a Delicious Labor Day Pasta Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
3. Celebrate Labor Day with a refreshing and flavorful pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. This easy-to-make dish combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a crowd-pleasing side. Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate Labor Day pasta salad that everyone will love.
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7. ## **Ingredients for Labor Day Pasta Salad**
8. - 16 oz (1 lb) pasta (rotini, bowtie, or penne work well)
9. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10. - 1 cup cucumber, diced
11. - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
12. - 1/2 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
13. - 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
14. - 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
15. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
16. - 1/4 cup Italian dressing (or your favorite vinaigrette)
17. - 2 tbsp olive oil
18. - Salt and pepper to taste
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22. ## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
24. ### **1. Cook the Pasta**
25. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
26. - Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures your pasta salad stays fresh and doesn’t become mushy.
28. ### **2. Prepare the Vegetables**
29. - While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop all the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion.
30. - Slice the black olives and set aside.
32. ### **3. Combine Ingredients**
33. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and black olives.
34. - Add the shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavor and freshness.
36. ### **4. Add the Dressing**
37. - Drizzle the Italian dressing and olive oil over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
38. - Season with salt and pepper to taste.
40. ### **5. Chill and Serve**
41. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
42. - Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
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46. ## **Tips for the Perfect Pasta Salad**
47. - **Customize Your Ingredients:** Add grilled chicken, salami, or mozzarella cheese for a heartier dish.
48. - **Make It Ahead:** This pasta salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it a convenient option for Labor Day gatherings.
49. - **Dressing Options:** Swap Italian dressing for ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy Caesar dressing for variety.
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53. ## **Why This Pasta Salad is Perfect for Labor Day**
54. This Labor Day pasta salad is not only easy to make but also versatile and refreshing. It’s packed with vibrant colors and flavors, making it a standout dish at any summer celebration. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead recipe, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the holiday with family and friends.
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58. ## **Conclusion**
59. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious Labor Day pasta salad that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media using hashtags like #LaborDayRecipes and #PastaSalad for inspiration!
61. Enjoy your Labor Day celebration with this tasty and refreshing pasta salad!

Relevante Seiten

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