Looking for a refreshing and delicious dish to beat the summer heat? This simple Sunshine Pasta Salad will brighten up your meal! It's a light and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Made with tri-color rotini, cheddar cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and mini pepperonis, it's tossed in a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.
It's a light and flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick side dish for your weeknight dinner.
Explore our collection of tasty side dish recipes that will bring everyone to the table and make mealtime a breeze!
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Add some sunshine to your meal plan with our Sunshine Pasta Salad! It’s a great make ahead option that’s perfect for lunch or busy nights.
Give this colorful dish a try and enjoy a delicious, refreshing salad that’s sure to impress!
Looking for more summer salads? Try my Fresh Tomatoes and Pasta, Creamy Pasta Salad, and even my Oma Behr's German Cucumber Salad. Yum!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Notes
- Best bottled dressing for pasta salad?
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Quick Tip
- How long does the pasta salad need to chill?
- Before you Begin!
- Dishes to Serve Alongside Your Pasta Salad
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- More Recipes You'll Love!
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Recipe Notes
This pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours helps the flavors meld together, making it an excellent option for busy days.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients such as olives, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Give the pasta salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure every bite is flavorful. If it seems a bit dry after refrigeration, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of vinegar to loosen it up.
Best bottled dressing for pasta salad?
If you didn't want to use the olive oil and vinegar dressing I used for this salad, you could use your favorite bottled dressing. Try a classic Italian dressing with a balance of herbs, spices, and acidity.
Two other options might be the sweet and tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar dressing or a Caesar dressing.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute tri-color rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. For a heartier option, try the recipe using cheese tortellini.
🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
Extra Large Salad Serving Bowl Set with Wooden Lid & Utensils
Selamica Porcelain 40oz Large Bowls 9 inch Big Pasta Salad Bowls, Microwave and Oven Safe, Colorful, Set of 6Bentgo® All-in-One Salad Container - Large Salad Bowl, Bento Box Tray, Leak-Proof Sauce Container, Airtight Lid, & Fork for Healthy Adult Lunches; BPA-Free & Dishwasher/Microwave Safe (Blush Marble)Tablecraft Salad Dressing Shaker, Glass with Plastic & Metal Pour Spout Top, Clear
Main Ingredients Needed
Below is a quick preview of the ingredients you’ll need. For exact amounts, check the recipe card below. You can also use the "Shopping List button" to create a printable shopping list, or the "Get Ingredients button" in the recipe card to order groceries online.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute tri-color rotini with regular rotini, penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
If you don’t have sun dried tomatoes, you can omit them or replace them with chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
Customize the salad with additional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, olives, bell peppers, or cucumber.
Cut regular pepperoni into quarters if you don't have mini pepperonis.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toss the pasta with the water, olive oil, and vinegar. Stir in the cheese cubes, mini pepperoni, and sun dried tomatoes.
Quick Tip
For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente, since overcooking can lead to a mushy salad.
Step 2: Season the pasta salad with the salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout.
Step 3: Refrigerate for about 6 hours to chill the salad and allow it to marinate.
How long does the pasta salad need to chill?
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for about 6 hours. This allows the ingredients to marinate and the flavors to fully develop.
Before you Begin!
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Dishes to Serve Alongside Your Pasta Salad
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes like grilled chicken, sandwiches, or at summer bbq. It's also a filling and satisfying meal all on its own!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-5 days.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze any type of pasta salad, as the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
More Recipes You'll Love!
- Check out my other recipes for Side Dishes for Chicken Cutlets.
- Or you might enjoy this recipe for Crab Pasta Salad.
📖 Recipe Card
Sunshine Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tri-color rotini pasta, cooked al dente
- ½ cup cheddar cheese cubes
- ½ cup mini pepperonis
- 2 tablespoons sun dried tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups olive oil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1-2 tablespons water
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon parsley
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta with the olive oil, vinegar, and water. Toss to coat.
- Add the cheese cubes, mini pepperonis, sun dried tomatoes and stir.
- Season with the salt, pepper, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to combine all of the ingredients and mix the seasonings throughout.
- Refrigerate for about 6 hours to chill.
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