Party Menu Ideas: Veggie Pasta Salad + {Video}
Friday, September 04, 2020This easy to make Pasta Salad has graced so many Potlucks & Parties that its about time it deserves a permanent spot on my blog.
The first time I ate this Pasta Salad was at my friend's Ashwini's place many years ago & I have been recreating this in my own kitchen since then, This salad is quite filling & is a meal in itself. If I have leftover cooked pasta, then this salad is usually what my next meal is.
This recipe is very easy to make in large quantities so it fits perfectly in a party menu. The kids love it too. Plus, it can me made way ahead of time. It also makes for a good lunch box option if you have leftover cooked pasta from previous night's dinner.
You Will Need:
- 1.5 cups uncooked Pasta - Macaroni or any Small sized Pasta
- 1/2 Red Bell Pepper - finely diced
- 1/2 Yellow Bell Pepper - finely diced
- 1/2 Green Bell Pepper - finely diced
- 1/2 Orange Bell Pepper - finely diced
- 10-12 Cherry Tomatoes
- Black Olives
- Salt to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tsp Tabasco Sauce
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried Oregano
- A handful of Mint - finely chopped
How To:
Cook Pasta according to Package Instructions. I have used Mini Penne Pasta here. Drain & Set aside. Dice the Bell Peppers. Slice the Cherry Tomatoes & Olives
For the Dressing, whisk together Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Tabasco Sauce, Minced Garlic Powder, Chili Flakes, Dried Oregano, Italian Sesaoning and Apple Cider Vinegar with a little bit of Salt
In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, Diced Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, olives & chopped mint. Pour the dressing & some salt to taste. Mix well with a fork.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, for the flavours to infuse. Serve with a crusty bread & some Soup on the side for a complete meal
What I really love about this recipe is the flavour. The dressing is very light unlike the ones that used Mayonnaise The heat from the tabasco sauce & chilli flakes, the slight sweet & tart flavor from the Apple Cider Vinegar, The flavor of Garlic & Italian2 Seasoning all mixed in Extra Virgin Olive Oil blend beautifully & I love the subtle freshness that mint adds. Don't go overboard on the mint though.
0 comments