Supreme Pasta Salad

The Zesty Supreme Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that combines fresh veggies, bold Italian dressing, and a duo of cheeses in every bite. It’s a flavorful medley perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or weekday lunches. The crunch of cucumber and bell pepper, the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes, and the richness of cheddar and Parmesan create a beautiful contrast that keeps every forkful exciting.

This pasta salad can be made ahead and chilled, making it an ideal dish for stress-free entertaining or weekly meal prep. You can also customize it easily, swap in mozzarella balls, use gluten-free pasta, or even add grilled chicken for a heartier version. Whatever the occasion, this salad brings a refreshing and satisfying element to the table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 16 oz rotini pasta

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small can sliced olives, drained

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 1/2 cups cubed cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 bottle (16 oz) Italian dressing (use about 1 cup, more or less to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, red onion, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan.

3. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss everything until well coated.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving, adding more dressing if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Making Supreme Pasta Salad – A Colorful, Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Pasta salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and creativity. Among the countless variations out there, the Supreme Pasta Salad stands tall as a perennial favorite. Packed with vibrant vegetables, two types of cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing, this pasta salad is equal parts hearty and refreshing. It’s perfect for any occasion, barbecues, potlucks, picnics, or meal-prep lunches.

But what exactly makes it “supreme”? It’s the thoughtful combination of ingredients and their perfect harmony. This dish delivers crisp, juicy, crunchy, creamy, salty, and savory all at once. Let’s dive deep into the elements that make this pasta salad irresistible and why it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

One of the best things about pasta salad is its versatility, and the Supreme Pasta Salad takes that to the next level. It’s easy to throw together, ideal for feeding a crowd, and incredibly forgiving, you can easily swap in your favorite ingredients or use what’s in your fridge.

Here are a few reasons this recipe is a must-make:

• Balanced flavor and texture: The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan brings richness, while crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes add freshness and texture.

• Meal prep-friendly: This salad can be made ahead and stored for several days in the fridge, making it a perfect option for busy weekdays.

• Customizable: Whether you’re adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu, swapping out the veggies, or changing the pasta type, this salad adapts to your tastes and dietary needs.

• Potluck-perfect: It travels well, holds up over time, and looks just as good as it tastes.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down the star players in this dish and explore why each one matters:

1. Rotini Pasta

Rotini’s spiral shape is not just for looks, it’s functional. The grooves catch and hold onto the dressing and all the tiny bits of vegetables, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. You can also substitute with bowtie (farfalle), penne, or fusilli pasta.

2. Cheddar Cheese Cubes

Cheddar brings creaminess and richness. Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor. Cube it yourself for the best texture, pre-cubed cheese can sometimes dry out quickly.

3. Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty punch that balances the dish. It helps tie all the ingredients together with its umami notes.

4. Italian Dressing

Store-bought Italian dressing is a great time-saver, but feel free to use a homemade version if preferred. A good dressing should be tangy, herbaceous, and just slightly sweet. It binds all the ingredients and helps tenderize the pasta and veggies as it marinates.

5. Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. They also bring a beautiful color contrast to the dish. Use grape tomatoes if that’s what you have, they work just as well.

6. Cucumber

Crisp, refreshing, and subtly sweet, cucumber offers a clean contrast to the saltiness of the cheeses and olives. Peel or leave the skin on based on your preference.

7. Red Bell Pepper

This adds crunch, color, and a mild sweetness that rounds out the sharper flavors of onion and cheese.

8. Sliced Black Olives

Love them or not, olives bring a briny kick that elevates the entire salad. Their bold flavor helps balance out the creamy and tangy elements.

9. Red Onion

A small amount goes a long way. Red onion adds a zesty edge and a bit of crunch. Soaking it in cold water before adding it to the salad can reduce its sharpness if you’re sensitive to raw onion.

Best Pasta Salad Add-Ons

If you’re looking to elevate this salad or tailor it to specific diets or preferences, consider these tasty add-ins:

• Protein options: Grilled chicken, salami, tuna, or chickpeas

• Greens: Arugula, baby spinach, or shredded kale

• Fresh herbs: Basil, parsley, oregano, or chives

• Zest: A squeeze of lemon or a splash of red wine vinegar

• Nuts or seeds: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch

Make It Vegan or Gluten-Free

Want to adapt the Supreme Pasta Salad for specific dietary needs? It’s simple.

• For a vegan version: Omit the cheeses or use your favorite plant-based alternatives. Many brands offer excellent vegan cheddar and Parmesan now.

• For a gluten-free version: Use gluten-free rotini or your favorite GF pasta brand. Chickpea, quinoa, or rice-based pastas work well.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta salad is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving:

• As a main dish: Add a protein like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs.

• As a side: Pairs perfectly with burgers, grilled kabobs, sandwiches, or soups.

• At a BBQ: Set this salad out in a large chilled bowl and watch it disappear fast.

• At a picnic: Portion it into mason jars or reusable containers for a mess-free meal.

For a little extra presentation flair, garnish with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a few whole cherry tomatoes on top.

Storage Tips

The beauty of pasta salad is that it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep for up to 4 days.

Pro tip: If you’re storing it for multiple days, keep a little extra dressing on the side. Pasta tends to absorb dressing over time, so a quick refresh will bring it back to life.

Nutritional Overview

While this pasta salad is rich in flavor, it’s also packed with nutrients thanks to the variety of vegetables. Cheddar and Parmesan contribute calcium and protein, while olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats.

If you’re watching calories, you can reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a light Italian dressing. For a lower-carb version, you could try substituting half the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cooked cauliflower florets.

Conclusion

The Supreme Pasta Salad is everything you want in a classic pasta salad, bright, bold, and beautifully balanced. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, prepping for a week of lunches, or contributing to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to stand out on the table.

It’s a recipe that invites creativity and rewards simplicity. With its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, savory cheeses, and tangy dressing, each forkful delivers a satisfying bite. Best of all, it’s just as enjoyable straight from the fridge as it is fresh off the counter. Once you make this, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

So, grab your favorite mixing bowl and get tossing, your next favorite pasta salad awaits.