Pasta salad is the perfect side dish for any summer BBQ, and this oregano-infused recipe is one of my favorites. It's easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Use about 1 pound (226 grams) of uncooked pasta for a large salad. If you're making a small side salad or appetizer, use about ½ pound (226 grams)of uncooked pasta.
The shape doesn't matter as much as the thickness and texture of the noodles themselves; look for medium-sized pasta that is not too thick or thin, such as Gemelli, penne rigate, or rotini (which means "little wheels"). Longer shapes like spaghetti work well here, too—you can break them into shorter lengths, if desired, with kitchen shears before cooking them in boiling water until al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm).
Mix well until everything is evenly distributed, and you have an even mixture of this delicious salad.
Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss until well combined.
Use a large spoon and mix in one direction; otherwise, you'll break up the pasta too much.
Refrigerate 1 hour before serving. This will allow the pasta salad to be cold and absorb any dressing that may have been sitting on top. You can add other items like chopped vegetables or nuts if you'd like!
This recipe can be made ahead of time, so you don't have to worry about making it right before guests arrive. It's also simple to make with ingredients you already have on hand.
This pasta salad is great because it has a lot of flavors but doesn't have too many ingredients—it's perfect if you're feeding a crowd but want something that isn't overwhelming in terms of quantity or preparation time.
There are many ways to make pasta salad. This article has given you the basics of making this delicious dish. Now go ahead and try it out yourself!