Pasta Salad - Lu'S
A vibrant pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheeses, perfect for picnics, gatherings, or as a light, flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. coarsely chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil or salad oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (parsley) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups dry pasta, cooked (about 3 cups) ⓘ
- 1 small red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. finely cubed Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 or 3 finely chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 2 average size Roma tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the red wine vinegar, dried basil, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, green pepper, and minced garlic.
- Using a whisk or fork, gradually beat in the olive oil until well combined.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the dressing mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the chopped red pepper, Parmesan cheese, cubed Cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sliced black olives, and chopped tomatoes.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let flavors meld before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein. You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder taste. If you prefer a creamier salad, mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor, so feel free to experiment with dill or parsley. This salad is versatile and works well as a side for dishes like Busy Day Halibut.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own. Serve it alongside dishes like Instant Caesar Salad for a refreshing meal. You can also add additional toppings such as feta cheese or avocado for extra creaminess and flavor. Garnish with extra cilantro for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave, but avoid overheating to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. Alternatively, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad - Lu'S contains roughly 184 calories, with 9g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1391mg per serving (60% 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 use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for dry pasta, you can swap it with any shape you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well, depending on your dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add extra veggies like cucumbers or artichokes for added flavor and texture. The dressing will still pack a punch without the cheese, making it a delicious vegan option.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For an added crunch, consider including diced cucumbers, toasted nuts, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. These ingredients will enhance the texture of the salad and provide additional nutritional benefits. You can also add crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to amp up the freshness.
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).