This type of pasta salad is incredibly versatile. Not only can you play around with all of the ingredients, but you can change the dressing, as well. That means that every time you use this basic recipe, it could seem like an entirely different salad.

Try it with ham cubes or bacon. Toss in some shrimp. How about cubed or shredded chicken or turkey? Some grape tomatoes would be tasty. Try halved grapes, strawberries or mandarin oranges.

Change out ¼ cup of the mayo with Greek yogurt to add a little tang to the dressing. Add a bit of chili powder or paprika. Try some sweet pickle juice or honey mustard. Maybe a little soy or teriyaki sauce. Any of these would create a uniquely flavorful dressing.

 

INGREDIENTS

1 pound rotini (or pasta of choice)

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

3 ribs celery, finely chopped

8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small chunks

¼ cup finely chopped onion

1 cup mayo

¼ cup sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried parsley

*Optional – add in chopped fresh broccoli

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook rotini according to package directions, then drain and rinse under cold water until the pasta has cooled. Drain well.

In a large bowl combine mayo, sugar, apple cider vinegar, black pepper and dried parsley.

Combine the rotini with the dressing, then stir in chopped red bell pepper, celery, finely chopped onion, and chunks of cheese. Chill for one hour before serving. Enjoy!

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Quick Tip:  A lot of recipes for pasta salad will tell you to drain the pasta after you cook it, and then rinse it under cold water. The trouble with this is that it removes all of the starch from the pasta, and it is the starch that allows whatever dressing you use to actually stick to the pasta, instead of accumulating at the bottom of the bowl. But too much starch results in your pasta soaking up all of the dressing, becoming saturated and mushy, which is why you are advised to rinse it. Here is how you solve these two related problems. Drain the pasta, but retain a little of the starchy cooking water. Then rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it. When you are mixing up your dressing, mix a spoonful or two of the starchy water into the dressing or sauce and it will then adhere to the pasta.

Recipe and image courtesy of Ashley at Center Cut Cook