Description
A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad featuring delicate angel hair pasta tossed with colorful vegetables and a creamy Italian dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for your summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 can (3.8 oz) sliced black olives
- 2 cups shaved carrots
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or grape tomatoes)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 tbsp Cavender’s Greek Seasoning (adjustable to taste, 1–2 tbsp)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook as angel hair pasta cooks very quickly.
- Cool the pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, sliced black olives, shaved carrots, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour in the mayonnaise and Italian dressing, then sprinkle with Cavender’s Greek Seasoning.
- Mix thoroughly: Using tongs or large spoons, gently toss all ingredients until well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing. Make sure to mix from the bottom to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and serve: For best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also serve immediately if needed. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Try adding diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a protein boost, add diced ham, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
- If you can’t find Cavender’s Greek Seasoning, substitute with a mixture of oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- The pasta salad will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat Italian dressing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg