Joanna Gaines Pasta Salad Recipe
This Joanna Gaines Pasta Salad Recipe is fresh, colorful and full of flavor. It is light but still very satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta rotini or penne
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Prepare vegetables
- Chop tomatoes, cucumber and onions. Slice olives and set all vegetables aside in a bowl.
Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth.
Combine pasta and vegetables
- Add cooled pasta into a large bowl. Mix with prepared vegetables evenly.
Add cheese and seasoning
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and dried oregano. Mix gently so everything combines well.
Pour dressing
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture. Toss carefully until all ingredients are coated evenly.
Chill the salad
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps flavors develop and improve.
Serve cold
- Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled for best taste.
Notes
- Use short pasta shapes for better mixing
- Add grilled chicken for protein
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for lighter version
- Add bell peppers for extra crunch
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese for stronger flavor
- Chill overnight for deeper taste
- Do not overcook pasta