Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad

Celebrate Independence Day with a colorful, fresh, and festive pasta salad that’s guaranteed to shine on your summer table! This Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad features red, white, and blue ingredients in a creamy, tangy dressing. Easy to prep ahead, it’s perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or pool parties.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Patriotic & Vibrant – Red tomatoes, white cheese, and blue blueberries create a festive look.
Quick & Chill – Assemble in under 20 minutes; refrigerate for bright flavors.
Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – Appeals to young guests and adults alike.
Customizable – Swap in favorite ingredients or adjust spice to taste.
Make-Ahead Marvel – Flavor improves with chill time—prep the night before!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:
12 oz rotini or other short pasta like bowtie or shell
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red)
1 cup fresh blueberries (blue)
1 cup white mozzarella pearls or cubed Monterey Jack
1 English cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Creamy Patriotic Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full‑fat or low‑fat)
¼ cup mayo or swap with more yogurt
1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or agave
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Optional Fold-Ins:
Corn kernels
Diced avocado
Cooked chicken or chickpeas

Tools You’ll Need
Pot for pasta
Strainer/colander
Large bowl
Small bowl/jar for dressing
Whisk or fork
Knife and cutting board
Airtight container or covered bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook & Cool Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies & Fruit
Cut tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion, and basil.
Place mozzarella and blueberries in a bowl to keep separate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
Whisk yogurt, mayo, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Adjust to taste with more honey or vinegar.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, onion, and basil.
Toss gently with dressing.
Fold in blueberries and mozzarella.

Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 6: Final Touches & Serve
Before serving, adjust seasoning and add optional toppings like avocado or feta.

Pro Tips for Perfection
Rinse Pasta Thoroughly – Stops cooking and helps dressing stick.
Add Blueberries Last – Prevents bleeding or breakdown.
Creamy Yet Light – Greek yogurt adds tang and texture.
Make-Ahead Magic – Perfect for early prep.
Pack for Outdoor Events – Store in a cooler until serving.

Serving Suggestions
Main Dish – Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Side Dish – Serve with burgers, BBQ, or grilled veggies.
Petite Portions – Great in clear cups for kids.
Potluck Star – Bright colors and creamy flavor stand out.

Storage & Leftovers
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Fluff before serving and add olive oil or vinegar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different pasta?
   Yes! Penne, fusilli, or shells work well.
2. Is it gluten-free?
   Yes, with gluten-free pasta.
3. Can I make it vegan?
   Use dairy-free yogurt and cheese.
4. Is there a low-fat version?
   Use all Greek yogurt.
5. Can I skip the fruit?
   Replace blueberries with red apple for crunch.

Final Thoughts
This Chilled 4th of July Pasta Salad brings festive flair and fresh flavor in every spoonful. Creamy, colorful, and easy to prepare—it’s destined to be a signature dish at your summer gatherings. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to celebration side!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American–Summer Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 260mg

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