Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad

This Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad is bursting with patriotic colors and fresh summer flavors! Made with tri-color pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy herb dressing, it’s the perfect make-ahead side for your holiday cookout. Light, refreshing, and festive, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite at any Independence Day celebration.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red, White & Blue – A vibrant, patriotic dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Chilled & Refreshing – Perfect for hot summer gatherings.
Easy to Make Ahead – Saves time and enhances flavor as it chills.
Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls (or cubed mozzarella)
• ½ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup blueberries (for a fun and festive twist)

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
Whisk or jar with lid
Colander
Cutting board and knife
Large serving bowl or platter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
4. In a bowl or jar, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
5. Whisk or shake until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Salad
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked and cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mozzarella, olives, red onion, bell pepper, and blueberries.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
8. Gently fold in fresh parsley or basil.

Step 4: Chill & Serve
9. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
10. Give it a quick toss before serving and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired.

Tips for a Perfect Pasta Salad
Rinse the Pasta – Stops cooking and prevents it from sticking.
Add Dressing While Pasta is Slightly Warm – Helps absorb flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Keeps the salad crisp and colorful.
Chill Before Serving – Enhances taste and texture.
Toss Again Before Serving – Redistributes dressing and freshens presentation.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken or Burgers – A perfect, hearty pairing.
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Cool and refreshing drinks to complement.
Corn on the Cob – Another summer staple that goes great with pasta salad.
BBQ Ribs or Sausages – Balance the richness with a cool, tangy side.
Fruit Platter – Keeps the menu light, colorful, and seasonal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Stir Before Serving: Pasta may absorb dressing—add a splash of oil or lemon juice to refresh.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
2. What other cheeses work besides mozzarella?
   Try feta, goat cheese, or cheddar cubes for different flavor profiles.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
4. What’s a good substitute for blueberries?
   Red grapes or strawberries work well and keep the festive color scheme.

Final Thoughts
This Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad is everything a summer side should be—fresh, flavorful, and full of holiday spirit. With its bright colors and zesty dressing, it’s a showstopper on any picnic or party table. Simple to make and loved by all, it’s a must-have for your Independence Day feast!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your patriotic salad turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 320mg

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