Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad

Celebrate Independence Day with a refreshing and colorful Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant veggies, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is the perfect make-ahead side for all your summer cookouts. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or heading to a picnic, this dish is festive, flavorful, and easy to love.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for Summer – Cool, crisp, and refreshing on hot days.
Quick & Easy – Simple to toss together with minimal prep.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Colorful & Festive – Red, white, and blue ingredients for patriotic flair.
Customizable – Easily swap in your favorite veggies, cheese, or pasta shapes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red)
1 cup blueberries (blue)
1 cup mozzarella pearls or cubes (white)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small cucumber, diced
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed from frozen)
¼ cup black olives, sliced
½ cup cooked chickpeas
Chopped parsley or arugula for extra green

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Whisk or spoon
Serving platter or salad bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, slice the red onion, and chop the basil.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, blueberries, mozzarella, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine. Add basil and any optional add-ins you like.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir before serving and garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of feta for added flair.

Tips for a Great Pasta Salad
Cool the Pasta – Rinse with cold water to prevent overcooking and clumping.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Crisp veggies and herbs make all the difference.
Dress Before Chilling – The flavors will soak into the pasta as it rests.
Balance the Colors – Red, white, and blue elements give it that festive touch.
Make It a Meal – Add grilled chicken, tofu, or beans for a more filling dish.

Serving Suggestions
As a Side – Perfect with grilled burgers, veggie skewers, or BBQ chicken.
As a Light Main – Great with a side of crusty bread or watermelon slices.
On a Picnic – Easy to pack and serve outdoors.
For Potlucks – A colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that holds up well.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods during outdoor events.

Reheating:
No reheating needed – this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold.
If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, refresh it with a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pasta salad the day before?
   Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight.
2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
   Absolutely. Bowties, penne, or shells work great too.
3. What can I use instead of mozzarella?
   Try feta, goat cheese, or a dairy-free alternative.
4. Is it okay to use frozen blueberries?
   Fresh is best for texture, but thawed frozen ones can work in a pinch.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Final Thoughts
This Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad is a festive, easy-to-make dish that adds a colorful and flavorful touch to any summer celebration. With its balance of fresh produce, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Bring it to your next cookout, and don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes. Let the stars and stripes shine on your plate!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 220mg

Print