Description
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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Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American–Summer Fusion