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aerial shot of summer pasta salad in a white ceramic bowl
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5 from 5 votes

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
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4
Calories: 597kcal
Author: Hina Gujral

Equipment

  • Salad Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

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.

Video

Notes

  • 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. 

Nutrition

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