Looking for a refreshing dish that’s perfect for your Labour Day celebrations? Dive into our vibrant Labour Day Pasta Salad that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for your taste buds! This colorful medley of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing will have your guests coming back for seconds. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you can whip up this delicious salad that serves four and is sure to impress. Don’t miss out on making this the star of your picnic or barbecue—read on to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely dice the red onion.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for pasta shapes like fusilli or penne that hold onto the dressing and veggies well, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. This will make the assembly a breeze!
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like olives, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken to make the salad more filling or to suit your taste.
- Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning of your dressing before adding it to the salad. A little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference!
- Presentation Matters: For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large, clear bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
