Description
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.
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Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American