No-Cook Pasta Salad Master Guide
Perfect for Hot Summer Days • Endless Combinations
The Perfect Pasta Salad Formula
1 lb Pasta
+
2 cups Veggies
+
1 cup Protein
+
½ cup Dressing
Mix & Match Options
3 Perfect Dressing Recipes
🍋 Classic Italian
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
🥗 Creamy Ranch
• ½ cup mayo
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2-3 tbsp milk (to thin)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2-3 tbsp milk (to thin)
🌶️ Zesty Caesar
• ⅓ cup mayo
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Parmesan, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp Parmesan, grated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
Simple Assembly Steps
1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water until completely cool.
2
Prep all vegetables while pasta cooks. Cut into bite-sized, uniform pieces.
3
Whisk together your chosen dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
4
Combine cooled pasta, vegetables, and protein in a large bowl. Add dressing and toss gently.
5
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Add fresh herbs just before serving.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more dressing if needed after chilling.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Salad
Storage:
Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Always add fresh herbs just before serving.
Make-Ahead:
Prepare up to 2 days ahead. Reserve some dressing to refresh before serving.
Perfect Texture:
Slightly undercook pasta by 1 minute. It will absorb dressing and reach perfect texture.
Flavor Boost:
Salt the pasta water generously. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
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