5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
Introduction
5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With only five simple ingredients, this pasta salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or a light dinner, this salad will surely satisfy your cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this Italian pasta salad is a smart choice for busy individuals and families. It comes together in no time, requires minimal cooking, and can be enjoyed right away or saved for later. Plus, the combination of creamy mayo and zesty pesto gives it a unique taste that everyone will love. You’ll find this dish is refreshing, filling, and perfect for warm days.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
Making this salad is a straightforward process that takes just a few steps. Follow the simple directions below, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound radiatori pasta
- 1 1/2 cups store-bought pesto
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 packed cups baby arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, mayo, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- You can eat it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
How to Serve 5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
This pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Consider garnishing it with extra sun-dried tomatoes or some grated Parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor.
How to Store 5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
To store this salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to five days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
Tips to Make 5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
- Be sure to rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This cools it down and prevents it from sticking together.
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of mayo based on your texture preference.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. You can also use different types of pasta, like fusilli or rotini, to give the salad a unique twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain any meat.
Q: Can I freeze the pasta salad?
A: It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the pasta and veggies may change once thawed.
Enjoy making this easy and delicious 5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad!
5 Ingredient Italian Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Dressing
- 1 pound radiatori pasta You can use other types of pasta as well.
- 1.5 cups store-bought pesto Use high-quality pesto for best flavor.
- 0.5 cup mayo Adjust based on your texture preference.
Add-ins
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped For extra flavor.
- 2 cups baby arugula Can be replaced with other greens if desired.
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to cool.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, mayo, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- You can eat it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
