Pasta Salad With Spaghetti Noodles And Mayo
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals. One of the best dishes to enjoy during the summer heat is a pasta salad with spaghetti noodles and mayo. This dish is perfect for a picnic, barbecue, or any other outdoor gathering. It's easy to make, delicious, and sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
To make this delectable pasta salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Follow the steps below to make this delicious pasta salad:
- Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, green onions, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti noodles, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes to the mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the noodles and vegetables are well coated with the mayo mixture.
- Cover the mixing bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Once the pasta salad has chilled, give it a quick stir and serve cold.
Variations
This pasta salad recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add sliced black olives for a salty and briny flavor.
- Include diced ham or cooked chicken for added protein.
- Swap out the spaghetti noodles for penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Replace the bell peppers with other vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or carrots.
- Add some heat with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
Pasta salad with spaghetti noodles and mayo is a delicious and refreshing dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It's easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick lunch, this pasta salad is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try!