This refreshing Angel Hair Pasta Salad combines delicate pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly balances flavors. A beloved potluck and family gathering favorite, this versatile salad offers Mediterranean-inspired notes with olives and Italian dressing while maintaining a delightfully light texture that makes it perfect for warm weather dining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple preparation with minimal cooking required
• Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course
• Perfect make-ahead option that actually improves with time in the refrigerator
• Customizable to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs
• Great for feeding a crowd at summer gatherings, picnics, and potlucks

Ingredients

• Angel Hair Pasta: The delicate, thin strands absorb dressing beautifully while maintaining a light texture. You can substitute thin spaghetti or vermicelli if needed.
• Black Olives: Adds a Mediterranean flavor and nice visual contrast. Kalamata olives work well for a more robust flavor profile.
• Carrots: Shaved carrots provide a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin, delicate shavings that blend perfectly with the angel hair pasta.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Their bright acidity and burst of color make the salad pop. Grape tomatoes are an excellent alternative with a slightly sweeter profile.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the dressing. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor, or use light mayo for a lower-calorie option.
• Italian Salad Dressing: Infuses the salad with herbs and tanginess. Use your favorite bottled variety or make your own with olive oil, vinegar, and Italian herbs.
• Cavender’s Greek Seasoning: This secret ingredient adds depth with its blend of herbs and spices. If unavailable, substitute with a mixture of dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Variations

Mediterranean Version

Transform this pasta salad into a Mediterranean delight by adding diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing with a protein boost.

Protein-Packed Meal

Convert this side dish into a complete meal by adding protein elements. Mix in diced grilled chicken, small cooked shrimp, or cubed salami. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

Veggie-Loaded Version

Double down on vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, chopped artichoke hearts, and fresh spinach leaves. This creates a more colorful, nutrient-dense salad that can serve as a full meal while remaining vegetarian-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the angel hair pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente – this typically takes less time than thicker pasta varieties, usually 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as angel hair can quickly become mushy. Once done, drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables. Slice the black olives if they aren’t pre-sliced. Use a vegetable peeler to create delicate carrot shavings by running it along the length of peeled carrots. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy flavor into the salad. Having all ingredients ready before mixing ensures even distribution.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, and Cavender’s Greek seasoning. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated. This combined dressing creates the perfect balance of creamy and tangy that will coat each strand of pasta and vegetable.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Add the cooled pasta and prepared vegetables to the dressing mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with dressing. Be thorough but gentle to maintain the integrity of the delicate angel hair pasta and vegetables. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook the angel hair pasta just until al dente, then immediately rinse with cold water to prevent it from becoming soggy in the salad.
• For easy shaved carrots, use a vegetable peeler along the length of the carrot to create thin, delicate strands that blend beautifully with the pasta.
• Reserve a small portion of the dressing to add just before serving, as the pasta tends to absorb dressing during refrigeration.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before the final chill – the flavors will meld together in the refrigerator, but you want to ensure the base seasonings are to your liking.
• For a more visually appealing presentation, save some of the colorful vegetables to sprinkle on top just before serving.
• Allow the salad to come to cool room temperature (about 15 minutes out of the refrigerator) before serving for the most vibrant flavors.

How to Serve

This versatile Angel Hair Pasta Salad shines as a side dish alongside grilled meats, particularly chicken, fish, or burgers at summer barbecues. For a beautiful presentation, serve in a large shallow bowl lined with lettuce leaves, garnished with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color. For a more substantial offering, pair with crusty garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon. This salad also works wonderfully as part of a buffet spread or packed in individual portions for picnics and lunches.

Make Ahead

This pasta salad is actually better when made ahead, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining. Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it well-covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together beautifully. If making more than a day ahead, consider keeping the dressing and pasta separate until 2-3 hours before serving.

For longer storage, the pasta salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Before serving refrigerated salad, give it a good stir and consider adding a small splash of Italian dressing to refresh the flavors and moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While angel hair creates a delicate texture that’s distinctive to this salad, you can substitute other pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or orzo. Just remember that thicker pastas may require more dressing to adequately coat each piece.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

The key is rinsing the pasta thoroughly with cold water immediately after draining. Additionally, tossing the cooled pasta with a small amount of olive oil or Italian dressing before adding the main dressing can help keep strands separate.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Corn and rice-based angel hair alternatives work particularly well and maintain a similar texture to traditional pasta.

Is there a lower-calorie version of the dressing?

Yes, you can create a lighter version by replacing half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and using a light version of Italian dressing. This modification reduces calories while adding protein and maintaining a creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Angel Hair Pasta Salad offers the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight family meals and special gatherings. Its versatility allows for endless customization while the basic recipe remains foolproof and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a reliable potluck contribution or a satisfying make-ahead lunch option, this pasta salad delivers on all fronts. The delicate texture of angel hair pasta creates a unique eating experience that sets this salad apart from standard pasta salads. Give it a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear!

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