Looking for the perfect side dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad. It’s everything you love about a classic pasta salad, with a vibrant burst of color and an irresistible kick from the Salad Supreme seasoning. Whether you’re preparing for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or simply want something fresh to complement a weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to throw together yet how dynamic and versatile it can be. You can customize it to fit your tastes, whether you want to keep it vegetarian, add some protein, or mix up the veggies. And, let’s be honest, there’s something magical about the tangy Italian dressing combined with the Salad Supreme seasoning—it’s just the right amount of zest to keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad because it’s:
- Quick & Easy: You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and it’s ready to chill and be served. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or as a last-minute side dish for those “I need something now” moments.
- Bold in Flavor: The Salad Supreme seasoning is what really sets this pasta salad apart. It brings an irresistible blend of spices and flavors that elevate this dish from basic to extraordinary.
- Customizable: Want to add some protein? Try diced pepperoni, grilled chicken, or even bacon (you can go halal with turkey bacon!). Prefer a different veggie? The options are endless—zucchini, shredded carrots, and broccoli all make great additions.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This is one of those dishes that only gets better the longer it sits, making it great for meal prep or healthy eating for two. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, or serve it up at your next gathering with ease.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this pasta salad. It’s a colorful, fun way to get in those veggies without anyone complaining.
Whether you’re preparing it for a healthy comfort food night at home or taking it to a summer potluck, this dish never fails to deliver on flavor and satisfaction.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What makes this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad stand out is the simplicity and the perfect blend of flavors. The dressing and seasoning come together in a way that gives every bite a satisfying tangy kick, while the crisp veggies and soft pasta make for a wonderful texture contrast. It’s like a symphony of colors and flavors in a bowl—vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and salty olives, all coming together with that unmistakable Salad Supreme spice blend.
This pasta salad is so versatile, and it’s also a breeze to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a handful of everyday staples that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily it can be customized. You can keep it as a simple, vegetarian pasta salad, or you can take it to the next level with your favorite proteins and add-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta (or bowtie, penne, or whatever shape you like)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until al dente (firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This will also help stop the cooking process and keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Combine Veggies and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and black olives. These veggies add that fresh, crunchy texture and a burst of color that makes this salad look so appealing.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and veggies. I like to use a good-quality Italian dressing for this, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with that zesty dressing.
- Sprinkle with Salad Supreme: Now, this is where the magic happens. Sprinkle the McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning over the pasta salad and give it another toss. This seasoning brings such a great depth of flavor to the dish—it’s the star of the show and adds that familiar taste of classic pasta salad we all love.
- Optional Add-ins: If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the salad and gently mix it in. The cheese adds an extra layer of richness and flavor that complements the tanginess of the dressing and seasoning.
- Chill and Serve: This pasta salad is best served chilled, so refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad a refreshing taste. Before serving, give it one last toss, and check for seasoning. You might want to add a little more dressing or Salad Supreme seasoning to your taste.
Tips for Best Results
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well in the salad.
- Cool the Pasta Quickly: Rinsing the pasta under cold water after draining helps it cool down quickly and keeps the texture firm.
- Let it Chill: Give your pasta salad time to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The dressing will soak into the pasta, and the flavors will deepen, making it taste even better.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you find that the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing after it sits in the fridge, just toss it with a bit more dressing before serving. This will bring the salad back to its flavorful, saucy goodness.
- Don’t Overdo It with the Salad Supreme: While the seasoning is delicious, it’s potent! Start with a little and taste as you go, adjusting it to suit your flavor preferences.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Protein Boost: To turn this into a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken, diced pepperoni, or salami. For a more high-protein meal, you could even throw in some grilled shrimp or turkey bacon for added flavor.
- Cheese Options: If you’re looking to add more flavor, try mixing in crumbled feta, cubed mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of cheddar. You can also leave the cheese out entirely for a lighter version.
- Swap the Veggies: While I love the combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives, you can definitely switch it up based on what you have. Try adding shredded carrots, broccoli florets, or even peas. The great thing about this salad is that it’s so adaptable.
- Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are tons of great options available at the grocery store that hold up just as well in a pasta salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairing with Grilled Meats: This Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish to serve with grilled meats. Think quick family meals like grilled chicken, steaks, or burgers. It complements all of those smoky, savory flavors perfectly.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread as a side. The crispy, buttery bread will pair wonderfully with the fresh, tangy pasta salad.
- Fresh Fruit: To balance out the richness of the salad, serve it with a fresh fruit platter or a light fruit salad. The sweetness of fruits like watermelon, grapes, and strawberries will provide a refreshing contrast.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: A glass of cold iced tea or lemonade is the perfect refreshing drink to serve with this salad. If you’re hosting a more casual gathering, you could even serve a chilled sparkling water for something light and bubbly.
- Sides: As mentioned above, garlic bread is a great side to complement this salad. You could also serve it alongside a light mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette to add even more veggies to the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing Leftovers: This Salad Supreme Pasta Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors continue to develop, so it actually tastes better the next day!
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, and reheating isn’t recommended, as it will affect the texture of the pasta and veggies. However, if you want to serve it warm, you can refrigerate it, then gently warm individual portions in the microwave or a low-heat oven.
- Add More Dressing: If the pasta absorbs the dressing after sitting in the fridge, you can simply toss it with a little more Italian dressing before serving to bring it back to life.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: This pasta salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it’s even better when made a few hours or a day in advance, giving the dressing time to soak into the pasta and allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, pasta salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture of the pasta and the veggies will suffer when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate it for a few days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Rinsing the Pasta: Be sure to rinse your pasta under cold water after draining to prevent it from sticking together. This also helps cool it down quickly and ensures it holds up well in the salad.
- Overdressing the Salad: It’s easy to add too much dressing, but it’s best to start with a little and add more if needed. You want the salad to be coated, but not drowning in dressing.
- Forgetting the Chill Time: While this pasta salad can be eaten right away, it’s best to let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and results in a tastier salad overall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While rotini is ideal because it holds the dressing well, you can use penne, bowtie pasta, or any shape you prefer. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta to make the salad suitable for a gluten-free diet. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is best when made a few hours or even a day in advance to let the flavors meld. - Can I use a different kind of dressing?
Yes, you can use ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a homemade Italian dressing if you prefer. - Can I add meat to this pasta salad?
Yes! Try adding grilled chicken, pepperoni, or even salami for extra flavor and protein.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander for draining the pasta
- Measuring spoons for the Salad Supreme seasoning
- Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies
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Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
A colorful, zesty pasta salad with fresh vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or everyday meals!
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives (if using).
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning over the top and toss again to distribute the flavor.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 480mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
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