Creamy Summer Pasta Salad Recipe
Recipe Video. This summer pasta salad is loaded with pineapple and a creamy, flavorsome homemade dressing. Learn how to make the best pasta salad in a few simple steps.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Calories: 597kcal
Salad Mixing Bowl
Saucepan
- 400 gram farfalle pasta
- ¼ Cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ Cup diced cucumber
- ¼ Cup thinly sliced onion
- ¼ Cup olives cut into halves
- ½ Cup pineapple cubes, canned or fresh
- ¼ Cup fresh basil
Ingredients for the dressing
- ½ Cup plain mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ Cup pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Work For Salad:
To prepare the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk using a fork until nicely emulsified or combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Keep in the fridge.
Chop all the vegetables and pineapple. Assemble in a bowl.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente; drain, then rinse with water.
Prepare Pasta Salad:
Add cooked pasta along with the chopped ingredients. Mix nicely.
Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently mix to coat the salad with the dressing.
Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve Creamy Summer Pasta Salad chilled for lunch or evening snacks.
- It is always best to use broad shaped or tube type pasta for salad instead of spaghetti or linguini.
- Pasta is the soul of this salad. Do not overcook or undercook the pasta otherwise the whole salad will be either mushy or dry.
- While boiling pasta it is highly recommended to season the water with salt. This step ensures a well seasoned pasta for salad instead of a bland one.
- It is best to use sweet, ripe and juicy pineapple for making this pasta salad.
Calories: 597kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 348mg | Potassium: 310mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 423IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg