Memorial Day Pasta Salad Recipe that's Perfectly Refreshing
This Memorial Day pasta salad recipe is a refreshing blend of veggies and bacon, perfect for summer gatherings.
Equipment
- - Large pot
- medium bowl
- large serving bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 oz dry pasta Choose your favorite shape for a fun texture.
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
For the Vegetables
- 2 large sweet bell peppers Their sweetness adds a crunchy bite; feel free to mix colors!
- 2 cucumbers Freshness in every scoop; use English cucumbers for less seeds.
- ½ cup sliced olives Adds a briny kick that complements the other flavors.
For the Dressing
- 16 oz Italian dressing A zesty base for this Memorial Day pasta salad recipe.
- 6 tablespoons real mayo Creaminess that brings everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your salad.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder A subtle depth of flavor; fresh garlic works too!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder Enhances the savory profile of the dressing.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Always a great way to add a touch of heat.
For the Toppings
- 1 cup crumbled crispy bacon Because everything’s better with bacon!
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan The perfect finishing touch that adds richness and flavor.
Instructions
How to Make Memorial Day Pasta Salad
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once bubbling, add the 16 oz dry pasta and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 16 oz Italian dressing and 6 tablespoons real mayo until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Cover and chill until you're ready to dress the pasta.
- In a large serving bowl, toss the cooled pasta with your chilled dressing. Add the diced sweet bell peppers, seeded cucumbers, and sliced olives, mixing gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Carefully fold in the crispy crumbled bacon and freshly grated parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture. This step adds both flavor and crunch, making each bite a delight.
- You can enjoy the salad right away at room temperature or refrigerate it for a more refreshing taste, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.