Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings. Made with rotini pasta, a mix of colorful vegetables, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, zesty Italian dressing, and McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning, this easy recipe delivers bright, savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight side.
Ultimate Pasta Salad Recipe
I make pasta salad often in the summer, and this Salad Supreme version is my go-to when I want a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s vegetarian-friendly, packed with fresh vegetables, and brightened by zesty Italian dressing and the bold flavor of Salad Supreme seasoning. The salad comes together quickly and scales easily, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep.
The blend of textures—al dente rotini, crisp cucumber, crunchy carrots, and tender tomatoes—combined with the salty tang of parmesan and the creamy pockets of mozzarella, creates a well-balanced salad. Allowing the salad to rest for an hour before serving helps the flavors meld, but it’s also delicious right away if you’re short on time.
Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. The Salad Supreme seasoning is the standout ingredient, providing a distinctive savory profile that complements the zesty Italian dressing.
Ingredient Notes
- Rotini Pasta: 1 lb rotini works well because its grooves catch dressing and seasoning.
- Cucumber: 1 chopped cucumber. Standard, English, or baby cucumbers all work; remove seeds if you prefer less moisture.
- Tomatoes: 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved. A chopped large tomato is a fine alternative.
- Carrots: 2/3 cup chopped carrots for crunch and color.
- Red Onion: 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced. Rinsing under cold water reduces sharpness if desired.
- Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper, chopped. Any color works; yellow adds bright contrast.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated parmesan to add savory depth and help bind flavors to the pasta.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 oz cubed mozzarella for creamy bites throughout the salad.
- McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning: 1 1/2 tablespoons provides a robust, herb-forward flavor that defines this salad.
- Zesty Italian Dressing: 1 cup zesty Italian dressing brings tang and brightness.
Substitutions & Additions
This salad is highly versatile. Swap or add ingredients to suit tastes and dietary needs. Here are easy ways to customize:
- Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, roasted red peppers, or black olives for more variety.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for fresh mozzarella, cheddar, or increase the parmesan for a sharper finish.
- Protein: Add salami, pepperoni, or cooked chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
- Dressing: While zesty Italian is recommended, regular Italian, ranch, or balsamic vinaigrette can be used instead.
- Pasta: Use fusilli, penne, or other short pasta if rotini isn’t available.
How To Make This Recipe
Quick to prepare and easy to scale, this pasta salad is perfect for busy days and entertaining. Follow these straightforward steps for a reliable result.
Step By Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop cucumber, halve tomatoes, dice carrots, thinly slice red onion, and chop the bell pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, onion, bell pepper, parmesan, and cubed mozzarella.
- Dress and season: Pour in the zesty Italian dressing and sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning. Toss thoroughly to combine, making sure dressing and seasoning coat all ingredients.
- Rest (optional): Let the salad rest for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld. It can also be served immediately.
- Serve: Give the salad a final toss and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Expert Tips
- Make the salad a few hours or the day before serving so the flavors deepen.
- Chop vegetables ahead of time to speed assembly—great for meal prep.
- Be sure the pasta is fully cooled before tossing with cheese to prevent melting.
- Cook pasta al dente so it maintains texture when dressed.
- To keep cucumber crisp, remove seeds before chopping.
- Rinse sliced red onion under cold water to mellow its sharpness if desired.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to one week; textures may soften over time but the flavor will remain enjoyable.
Final Notes
This Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is an easy, satisfying dish that’s bright, savory, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you bring it to a potluck or pair it with grilled mains at a backyard barbecue, it’s sure to be a favorite. If you try this recipe, consider making extra—the flavors keep developing and leftovers make great lunches.
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