Perfect Pasta Salad for Summer Picnics

Pasta salad is a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold and pairs wonderfully with many summer activities like picnics and barbecues. It’s perfect for large groups of people as you can scale the recipe up to serve more, making it ideal for gatherings. Today we are sharing an easy pasta salad recipe that will take your summer menu to a new level!

The key ingredient in this dish is pasta; however, there are many kinds available. For our recipe today, we recommend using penne pasta. It has a firm texture and holds its shape well after cooking.

Ingredients

Penne pasta - 8 oz (1 pound)
Fresh cherry tomatoes - 16 ounces
Cucumber - 1 medium, chopped into small pieces
Red bell pepper - 1/2 cup, diced finely
Mozzarella cheese - 4 ounces, shredded
Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
Olive oil - 1/4 cup (optional)
Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
Salt and pepper - to taste

Cooking Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
In the meantime, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red bell peppers. Prepare all other ingredients as needed.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water to cool down quickly.
Mix the cooled penne with the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl. Add minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the mix and toss everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Finally, fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese gently so that it does not get too clumped up within the pasta salad mixture.

Tips for Success

Choose quality ingredients: The freshness of your produce and the quality of your pasta will significantly affect how delicious your dish turns out. Opt for fresh vegetables from local farmers markets when possible.
Proper storage: This salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if you need leftovers. Make sure not to add cheese until just before serving as it tends to go soft very quickly.
Freshness is key: Always taste your pasta salad and adjust seasonings according to personal preference, especially salt and lemon juice.

Cooking Time & Servings

This pasta salad recipe takes approximately 30 minutes of active cooking time and can be easily scaled up or down depending on how many people you need to serve. We recommend making at least four servings, but this amount should suffice for a small group.

Health Benefits

Vitamin C: The inclusion of tomatoes and bell peppers provides essential antioxidants that boost the immune system.
Fiber: Both cucumbers and tomatoes are rich in fiber, which aids digestion.
Protein: Penne pasta combined with mozzarella cheese offers a good amount of protein to keep you energized throughout the day.

Variations & Alternatives

If you want to experiment or cater to different dietary preferences, here are some ideas for variations:

For vegans: Replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese shreds or omit it entirely if desired.
Fresh herbs: Add chopped fresh basil, parsley, or dill for extra flavor. Tarragon is another excellent option that complements the lemony dressing well.
Cooler weather: When preparing this dish in colder months, consider adding some cooked and cooled chicken breast strips for a heartier pasta salad.

Conclusion

Pasta salads are versatile dishes that can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're looking to impress friends at an outdoor gathering or need something quick and healthy for lunch, this recipe offers endless possibilities while being easy enough for anyone to prepare. With proper preparation techniques and fresh ingredients, your pasta salad will surely be a hit! Enjoy the flavors of summer and make sure everyone gets a taste!