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Easy Dump-and-Stir Pasta Salad Recipe No Chopping Required for Perfect Summer Sides

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A quick and easy pasta salad perfect for summer sides, made with no chopping required. This recipe uses simple pantry and fridge staples tossed together with a tangy, creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup canned black olives, sliced and drained
  • 1 cup diced pre-cooked chicken or deli rotisserie chicken (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4-5 quarts). Add 8 oz rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour pasta into a colander and rinse under cold running water until completely cooled. Let it drain well to avoid watery salad.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Italian dressing, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup drained sliced black olives, 1 cup shredded pre-cooked chicken (optional), 1 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 cup thawed corn, and 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers.
  5. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the pasta mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or large spoon until well coated, being careful not to mash the tomatoes or cheese.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir again before serving. If salad thickens too much, thin with a splash of Italian dressing or a bit of cold water.

Notes

Use pre-cut or pre-shredded ingredients to avoid chopping. Rinse pasta well to prevent clumping. Adjust vinegar and seasoning to taste. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Swap mayo for vegan mayo and cheese for plant-based cheese for vegan version. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer side dish, no chopping pasta salad, dump and stir salad, quick pasta salad

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/easy-dump-and-stir-pasta-salad-recipe-no-chopping-required-for-perfect-summer-sides/