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Easy Beginner 4th of July Pasta Salad Recipe with 5 Simple Ingredients

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A quick, colorful, and refreshing pasta salad perfect for 4th of July celebrations, made with just five simple ingredients. Ideal for beginners and crowd-pleasers alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool it down. Let it drain well for a few minutes.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and halve 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls.
  4. Place the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, and mozzarella in a large mixing bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of Italian dressing over the top.
  5. Toss gently with a large spoon or salad tongs until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and cool it down. Be gentle when tossing to avoid breaking mozzarella balls. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Add more dressing before serving if pasta absorbs too much. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: 4th of July, pasta salad, easy recipe, beginner friendly, summer salad, picnic dish, Italian dressing, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, cucumber

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/easy-beginner-4th-of-july-pasta-salad-recipe-with-5-simple-ingredients/