Summer is here, and there’s nothing better than a refreshing, flavorful pasta salad to complement your outdoor gatherings when you’re camping in your new or used RV. Our Best-Ever Pasta Salad is the perfect camping recipe to take with you. Check out our recipe below!
Best-Ever Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
To start, gather these simple, fresh ingredients:
- 1 pound of pasta (rotini or farfalle works best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped to bite size
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously to enhance the pasta’s flavor. Once cooked to al dente, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial for a refreshing pasta salad!
- While the pasta is cooking, chop all your vegetables. The vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and herbs not only add visual appeal but also pack the salad with nutrients and flavors. Remember, the fresher the veggies, the better your pasta salad will taste!
- Mix it all together: in a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, mozzarella cheese, and olives. Toss everything together gently to avoid mashing the ingredients.
- Next, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this zesty dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. The dressing is what brings all the flavors together, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil and parsley over the top for an extra burst of freshness.
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a main dish for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. It’s also perfect for meal prep; just store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days!
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost, or swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. The possibilities are endless, making this pasta salad a staple in your camping recipe collection.
Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help you enjoy camping trips in the right new or used RV for your family’s needs!
