Summer is on it’s way. Can you feel it? Even here in Seattle we are seeing some sun. So I say it’s time to plan a backyard party, maybe even potluck style. If that’s the case with you, I’ve got a super simple summer pasta salad perfect for a crowd.
All it takes is a little cooked pasta, some colorful veggies, and italian salad dressing to give it a fresh pop. Your potluck party will thank you!
Recipe for Summer Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb pasta – cooked, drained, and cooled
- Italian salad dressing – we’re using Marzetti Sweet Italian
- cheddar cheese cubes
- cherry tomatoes
- sugar snap peas
- sliced almonds
- *optional additions: broccoli, cranberry raisins, walnuts, feta cheese
1. Cook your pasta, drain it, and let it cool. You want cold-ish pasta for this dish. While that’s chillin’, slice your cheese into cubes and chop your snap peas into thirds. Gather a package of sliced almonds and wash up your cherry tomatoes.
2. Once you have all your ingredients ready, toss them in a bowl and mix ’em up.
3. Pour on your italian dressing, you can measure or just eye-ball it, then stir it up.
4. Place the pasta into a party dish, along with some serving spoons, and it’s ready to party.
To help you with a fun backyard party, Marzetti is offering one winner with the following fabulousness: 5 Marzetti coupons to purchase Classics dressings, Marzetti branded stainless knife set with cutting board, Acacia wood salad platter and plates (one platter, three 10 inch plates and three 5 inch plates), $35 Visa gift card for grocery shopping, and a Marzetti branded apron.
You’ll be set to host your next potluck. Happy Summer!
*This post is sponsored by Marzetti.com Classic Salad Dressings. All ideas and opinions are my own.
macaroni salad
Kebabs on the grill and fruit pizza. Love summer! That pasta salad looks so good.
with burgers! Yum!
We love serving fresh fruit and burgers!
I like to serve pasta salad, fresh grilled veggies, and brownies.
Grilled hot dogs and burgers with salads and sides
cold green bean salad with olives, cherry tomatoes, and thin sliced red onions! Some Marzetti dressing would be perfect!
BBQ chicken, watermelon, potato salad
I love serving deviled eggs.
A fresh black bean and corn salsa – black beans, grilled corn, chopped tomatoes, green onions, a little jalapeno, some cumin, and fresh squeezed lime juice! YUM!
I love to serve either a pasta salad or Caramel Apple Salad. Yum!!
Love salads at a summer get-togethers!!
potato salad
I always bring a brownie pizza. The kids (and adults) love it!
Sangria!
Usually deviled eggs and potato salad :)
tuna noodle salad or deviled eggs. Or baked beans if I’m at a loss/short on time :)
I love to serve anything grilled!
I love to serve refreshing salads with unique lemonades!
I always make a big bowl of cole slaw. Never have any left to take home – the secret is cilantro!
Fruit platters!
Anything that allows me to eat outside on my fabulous deck!
chicken salad which I use marzetti’s slaw dressing on it on a croissant
I like to keep it fresh and simple, a good salad bar is always a hit with our family!
Forgot to mention my name in the Rafflecopter form: Leidy R
fruit skewers and a pesto pasta salad
Jalapeno corn on the cob…..
Our new favorite to serve is BBQ’d pineapple!
I usually take a potatoe sald or homemade baked beans but I am going to try this salad next time!
Layered Greek dip with pita chips!
I usually make a fruit salad or a layered salad for summer parties. Your pasta salad looks yummy!
fresh sweet corn on the cob
I like to serve BBQ ribs and fruits salads
We love shish kabobs. Love summer!
I love pasta salads and baked beans.
That looks great, and easy! Thanks!
Something easy like watermelon.
Anything grilled- especially veggies. yum!
Edamame, Corn, Black Bean & Quinoa Salad
Potato salad is always at a summer gathering in our family.
fruit salad for something healthy and cupcakes for a treat!
We love barbque – hotdogs and hamburger.
Cookouts with pasta and fruit salads
Grandma’s Potato Salad is always my favorite.
I serve sandwiches and fruit salad.
BBQ wings and cole slaw.
Watermelon is the best.
A vegetable and pasta salad.
I love serving potato salad or pasta salad. This one looks so good! Thanks for sharing… I will be making this!
I always love to do big fresh fruit salads.
I love serving smoked mozzarella pasta salad! And ice cream pie is always a hit.
I love pasta salad! It gets hot here in AZ so we also love Otter pops!
It’s not a summer party without sweet tea! :)
we like to serve a very similar pasta salad. so easy and my kids love it.
Desserts!
so cute! Our first summer event is this weekend. We’re going camping with friends and bringing smores of course :)
Looks yummy! We are hosting a BBQ this weekend.
My go-to for summer parties is big fruit salads!!
baked beans and cole slaw!