Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering? Look no further than Pasta Salad for a Crowd! This classic, vibrant dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, or any large gathering where you need to feed a lot of hungry guests. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable, making it a great option for any occasion.
Packed with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and a zesty dressing, this pasta salad is not only delicious but visually appealing as well. It’s a great way to bring together fresh flavors in a fun, filling dish that everyone will enjoy.
Why This Pasta Salad is Perfect for a Crowd
✔ Feeds a Large Group – This recipe is designed to serve 12-15 people, making it ideal for big gatherings.
✔ Flexible Ingredients – You can easily customize the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or whatever veggies you have on hand.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, which saves you time on the day of your event.
✔ Fresh & Flavorful – With a mix of crisp veggies and a tangy dressing, this pasta salad is refreshing and full of vibrant flavors.
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as a main dish or a side to complement grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers.
Ingredients (Serves 12-15)
- Pasta – 1 pound (about 450g) of rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta
- Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups, halved
- Cucumber – 1 large, diced
- Bell peppers – 1 red and 1 yellow, diced
- Red onion – 1 small, finely diced
- Black olives – 1 cup, sliced
- Feta cheese – 1 cup, crumbled (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- Olive oil – ¾ cup
- Red wine vinegar – 3 tbsp
- Dijon mustard – 2 tsp
- Honey – 1 teaspoon (optional, for sweetness)
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon (or to taste)
- Italian seasoning – 1 ½ tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
How to Make Pasta Salad for a Crowd
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente pasta.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Drain well to remove any excess water.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the pasta is cooking, slice and dice the veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion, and slice the olives.
- If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
- Chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (if using), salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
- Whisk everything together until well combined and the dressing is smooth. You can also shake it in a jar with a lid for a quick mix.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss everything gently to coat. Be sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and veggies.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have time, let it chill for 2-3 hours or even overnight.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick toss and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
🍴 As a Side Dish: This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, BBQ dishes, and sandwiches. It’s also great with burgers or hot dogs at a cookout.
🥗 As a Light Main Course: Serve this salad as a light meal on its own, especially for vegetarian or light lunch options.
🌱 With More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like avocado, zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredient choices.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Pasta Salad
🍝 Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Be sure not to overcook the pasta. It should still have a slight bite to it, as it will soak up the dressing and soften slightly while chilling.
🌶️ Add Some Heat: If you like a spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the salad.
🧀 Swap the Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta, try substituting with mozzarella cheese, parmesan, or a creamy goat cheese for a different texture and flavor.
🌿 Herb Variations: If you love fresh herbs, try adding basil, oregano, or even thyme to the salad for a fragrant twist.
💡 Make Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day! Make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop and marinate in the dressing.
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta salad will continue to absorb the dressing over time, so you may want to add a bit more dressing before serving the next day.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this pasta salad up to 1 day in advance. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve, and give it a quick toss before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the pasta for any shape you prefer, such as bowtie, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure the pasta is a shape that holds the dressing well.
Q: Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is entirely vegetarian, but you can always add grilled chicken or bacon for extra protein if desired.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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