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Easy Office July 4th Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe for Perfect Summer BBQs

Easy Office July 4th Potluck Pasta Salad - featured image
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A quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing pasta salad perfect for summer BBQs and office potlucks, featuring fresh veggies, tangy homemade dressing, and tender pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cubed feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water (about 4 quarts). Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain fully.
  3. While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and red bell pepper, finely chop red onion, slice black olives, chop fresh parsley, and shred or cube mozzarella or feta cheese.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined and slightly thickened.
  5. In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, fresh veggies, cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta after cooking to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Add veggies fresh just before assembling to keep salad crisp. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. If salad seems dry after chilling, add a drizzle of olive oil or splash of vinegar before serving. Can substitute gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer BBQ, potluck recipe, easy pasta salad, July 4th recipe, office potluck, fresh veggies, tangy dressing

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