I heard someone the other day say ‘I can’t wait to make pasta salad now that the weather is nice’. I couldn’t help but smile because that has to be one of the most “Midwest” things I’ve ever heard. Once grilling season hits after a long winter, we all go a little crazy. For burgers and steaks on the grill, yes… but mainly for all the sides. I’ve shared a summer pasta salad here before, and my grandma’s recipe for seriously amazing noodle corn, but today I’m talking about this classic pasta salad that just can’t be beat.
My mom started making this a couple summers ago & I stole it from her recipe box because dang, it’s good. To me, this classic pasta salad is exactly what you think of when menu planning for summer barbecues. Creamy, tangy, full of diced veggies & simply satisfying. It compliments so many things, from grilled brats to marinated chicken. Or even just by itself for a little mid-day snack. It’s just the best.
Recipe below!
Classic Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups cellentani pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 2 1/2 tblsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 large union, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded & chopped
- 3/4 cup diced carrot
- 2 tblsp diced pimento peppers
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil & cook pasta to al dente. Drain & rinse with cold water.
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In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, pepper, onion, celery, green pepper, carrot and pimentos.
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Add the pasta once cooked & mix until well coated.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but overnight is best.
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Once chilled, stir and garnish with extra carrots or celery (optional). Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite pasta salad recipe?
xoxo. B
YUM! Definitely saving this for later. Pasta salad is my ultimate summer side – and I admittedly will sometimes just eat it as a meal, ha!
Just sayin’,
Karly @ What Karly Said
It’s so good – I promise you’ll love it! We’ve been grilling like crazy since the weather has turned & this is my second round of pasta salad, lol. Can’t be beat!