Celebrate the 4th of July with an American classic: pasta salad! This fun twist on the original can be tailored to personal preference, making it easy to customize. From macaroni to angel hair, there are endless combinations to choose from, so you can create the perfect pasta salad for you and your family and friends! For a simple step-by-step to creating the ultimate 4th of July pasta salad, look no further!
Making the ideal pasta salad is easy and quick. Simply gather a few ingredients and some seasonings, and you’re ready to get started. We’ll be using linguine, which is a great choice for this dish. Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, combine the pasta with the other ingredients and add spices, herbs, and condiments to taste. To give your pasta salad an extra kick of flavor and color, you can top it off with chopped tomatoes, celery or onions.
Ingredients
To make the ultimate 4th of July pasta salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced red pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water before setting aside.
In a large bowl, add the diced celery, carrots, red pepper, red onion, and cucumber. Pour the cooked and cooled macaroni in on top of the vegetables and mix together.
In a separate bowl, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, basil, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and fresh parsley. Whisk everything together to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the macaroni and vegetables and mix well.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and mix until the pasta salad is evenly coated in the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
If you want to add more protein to the pasta salad, you can add in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tuna. Or, substitute the white wine vinegar with a red or white wine for another layer of flavor. You can also make this vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and sour cream instead of the traditional ingredients.
If you’re looking for an extra crunch, you can add in other crunchy vegetables such as bell peppers or jicama. You can also add in cannellini beans, corn, feta cheese, or kalamata olives for extra flavor. For a more tangy flavor, add a few tablespoons of capers.
The pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature. If you’re not serving it immediately, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make the ultimate 4th of July pasta salad. It’s a delicious and easy side dish that is sure to be a hit at any summer BBQ, potluck, or party. Plus, it’s great for meal prep as it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. So, whip up this delicious pasta salad and enjoy a tasty and patriotic side dish this summer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for the pasta salad?
You will need cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, Italian salami or pepperoni, parmesan cheese, and Italian dressing.
How long does it take to prepare the pasta salad?
Preparing the pasta salad should take about 10-15 minutes.
What type of pasta is best for making this pasta salad?
Any type of short pasta will work great for this dish. Penne, rotini, macaroni, and farfalle are all great options.
Can I add other ingredients to the pasta salad?
Yes, you can certainly add other ingredients if you would like. Some suggestions are cooked bacon or ham, fresh or canned corn, and other fresh vegetables.
How long will the pasta salad last in the fridge?
The pasta salad will last in the fridge for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
