The Best Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad is another popular side or main dish in many countries, made in different variations depending on your taste. It is usually a combination of pasta, vegetables, and meats such as chicken, turkey or ham if desired, along with mayo and other seasonings or it could be straight vegetarian style.

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This is usually served cold and makes a great meal. I usually make it in a large bowl with a cover that also is great to store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. The ones pictured below are Tupperware brand which is my absolute favorite. They close air tight, are durable, and last forever. However, when serving, however, a nicer platter is more presentable.

My pasta salad is usually made using rotini pasta, broccoli florets, carrot sticks, frozen peas, corn, turkey, ham and chicken in small cubes, diced green or red bell peppers, diced red onions, diced celery, mayonnaise, fresh shredded parmesan cheese and other seasonings and a hint of sugar just to balance out the flavors.

This all comes together to give it a little tangy & creamy perfect flavor. Sometimes when I feel like going all out, I also add some black olives and pineapple tidbits, but this is optional. Go ahead and try this recipe if it looks good to you and leave me a comment below. 

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The Best Pasta Salad

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Author Dianne

Ingredients

• 16 oz. Rotini Pasta
• 1/2 cup Chicken cubes
• 1/2 cup Turkey cubes
• 1/2 cup Ham cubes
• 1 cup Broccoli Florets
• 1/2 cup Carrot Sticks cut in 2" lengths
• 1/2 cup Corn Frozen or can
• 1/2 cup Green Peas frozen
• 1/4 cup Red Onions diced
• 1/3 cup Green or Red Bell Peppers diced
• 1/2 cup Celery diced
• 1/3 cup Black Olives
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Tidbits
• 3/4 cup Mayonaise
• 3 Tbsp. Italian Dressing
• 1 Tbsp. Vinegar
• 2 tsp. Mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
• 1 1/2 cup Fresh Parmesean Cheese (divided) shredded
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley if desired

Instructions

1. Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.

2. Cut up broccoli florets in small pieces and carrots into sticks. Bring a small pot of water to boil and add broccoli and carrots just to blanch for about 2 minutes and rinse under cool water.

3. Cut up onions, celery, green and red peppers, olives and pineapples.

4. Cut meats if using into small cubes.

5. Heat frozen green peas in hot water for 2-3 minutes and rinse in cool water.

6. Place all above ingredients in a large bowl except cheese and parsley, stir well together to combine.

7. Add 3/4 cup of cheese and stir. Season to taste adding whatever else desired.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley. Add remaining sprinkles of parmesean cheese on each plate when serving.

9. Chill in fridge for at least 1 hour. Refridgerate leftovers after serving.