Our Family'S Favorite Pasta Salad
A vibrant, flavorful pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, ham, and a zesty Italian dressing—perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. rotelle noodles ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 small can sliced olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 heads broccoli, cut into florets ⓘ
- 1/2 large red onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 green onions, including greens, chopped ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup cubed Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups cubed ham or dry salami ⓘ
- Kraft House Italian dressing (approximately 1/2 bottle)
- 2 teaspoons dill weed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotelle noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained kidney beans, garbanzo beans, sliced olives, broccoli florets, chopped red or green onions, and chopped celery.
- Add the cubed cheese and cubed ham or salami to the vegetable mixture.
- Pour approximately half a bottle of Kraft House Italian dressing over the mixture.
- Add 2 teaspoons of dill weed, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, 1 teaspoon of onion salt, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Shake approximately 6 to 8 times of red wine vinegar into the mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing and seasonings.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. You can substitute the ham or salami with grilled chicken or a plant-based protein for a different flavor. If you're short on time, use pre-chopped vegetables or a store-bought pasta salad mix. Don't skip rinsing the noodles; it helps prevent sticking and keeps the salad fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, like Ham And Cheese Pop-Ups. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light green salad or fruit salad to balance the flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. If the salad appears dry when serving leftovers, add a splash of additional dressing or a bit of olive oil to refresh it before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Family'S Favorite Pasta Salad contains roughly 156 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad can be made up to a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate. Allowing it to sit overnight will enhance the flavors as they meld together, making it even more delicious when served.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this pasta salad vegetarian by omitting the ham or salami. Consider adding extra beans or avocado for protein. You can also include more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to keep it vibrant and satisfying.
What kind of dressing works best for this salad?
Kraft House Italian dressing is recommended for its zesty flavor, but you can substitute it with any Italian or vinaigrette dressing you prefer. A homemade dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs can also work well and add a personal touch to the salad.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).