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potluck pasta salad recipe featured
Avatar photoJohnson Maya

Classic Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant potluck pasta salad recipe bursts with tri-color pasta, crisp veggies, tangy Italian dressing, and melty cheese—a make-ahead American classic that's perfect for picnics and feeds a crowd with fresh, zesty flavors everyone craves.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • FOR THE SALAD:
  • 1 lb (454g) tri-color rotini pasta
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup sliced red onion
  • 8 oz Colby-Jack cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • FOR THE DRESSING:
  • 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian salad dressing, divided

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. potluck pasta salad recipe recipeCard1
  2. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 lb tri-color rotini pasta al dente per package, about 8-10 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water 1-2 minutes to cool and remove starch, then toss with 1/4 cup Italian dressing to prevent sticking—visual cue is firm pasta centers.
  3. Step 2: Chop 2 cups broccoli, dice 1 red bell pepper, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, slice 1/2 cup red onion, and cube 8 oz cheese into 1/2-inch pieces; pat veggies dry for crispness, combining with cooled pasta in a large bowl and drizzling half the remaining dressing (about 3/4 cup).
  4. Step 3: Gently toss until coated, season with salt/pepper, cover, and chill 2+ hours; before serving, add 1/4 cup Parmesan and rest of dressing, stirring for glossy finish—taste and adjust for peak potluck pasta salad recipe flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 390 | Carbohydrates: 42 | Protein: 11 | Fat: 20 | Fiber: 3 | Sugar: 6

Notes

STORAGE: Airtight in fridge up to 5 days; drain liquid before storing.
MAKE AHEAD: Full salad up to 24 hours ahead, chill covered.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Whole wheat pasta for fiber boost; vegan dressing and nut cheese.
PRO TIPS: Rinse pasta cold immediately; reserve dressing for end; al dente prevents mush.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Chill bowl, garnish Parmesan; pair with burgers, beans for potlucks.
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