Summer is here, and that means it’s time for light, refreshing meals that are bursting with flavor! One of my absolute favorites is Salad Supreme Pasta Salad. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, but it’s also a fantastic way to incorporate fresh veggies into your diet. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time, making it perfect for quick family dinners or potlucks. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your summer meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a colorful and nutritious way to enjoy fresh veggies.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick weeknight dinner idea.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Versatile—feel free to add your favorite proteins or swap out veggies!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Salad Supreme Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets (cut into 1-inch-sized pieces)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut into halves)
- 1 cup zucchini squash (cut into 1-inch-sized pieces)
- 1 cup red bell pepper slices (approximately ¼ inch thick by 1 inch long)
- 1 cup red onion slices (approximately ¼ inch thick by 1 inch long)
- 6 ounces block mozzarella cheese (cubed into ½ inch pieces, yields approximately 1 cup)
- ⅓ cup black olive slices
- 1 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons McCormick brand Salad Supreme seasoning blend
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Salad Supreme Pasta Salad:
- Boil Water and Cook Pasta: Bring 8 cups of water to boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. During the last minute, add the broccoli florets to cook together.
- Drain and Rinse: Place a large strainer in the sink and drain the pasta and broccoli. Rinse them with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. This will help the pasta stay firm in the salad.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the drained pasta and broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, mozzarella cheese, black olives, Italian dressing, and Salad Supreme seasoning. Gently toss to mix everything well.
- Chill the Salad: Move the mixed salad to a large serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Salad Supreme Pasta Salad turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Experiment with different veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
- For a creamier version, consider adding a dollop of creamy garlic pasta sauce to the mix.
- Make sure to chill the salad long enough for the flavors to meld; it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve
This Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic.
- Pair it with grilled meats for a complete meal.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or with a slice of crusty bread.
- It’s also perfect for meal prep—just portion it out for quick lunches throughout the week!
Make Ahead and Storage
This pasta salad is a fantastic make-ahead option! Here’s how to store it:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you’re making it ahead of time, consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy.
- For a quick weeknight dinner idea, simply pull it out of the fridge and enjoy!
So there you have it! A delightful Salad Supreme Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick family dinner. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a perfect ending to your meal!
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Boil 8 cups of water, cook pasta for 10 minutes, adding broccoli in the last minute. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Transfer pasta and broccoli to a large bowl. Add tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onion, cheese, olives, dressing, and seasoning. Toss gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to let flavors blend.