The McFarland Family’s Pasta Salad
📜 Collection: UK5 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Salads A vibrant and versatile pasta salad featuring sharp cheddar, crisp vegetables, and a tangy Italian dressing. Best prepared in advance to let the flavors meld together.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 10 mins | 12 hours | 8–10 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 box | Rotini (or other) pasta | cooked and cooled |
| 8-16 ounces | Block Cheddar Cheese | shredded |
| 2 large (or 10 baby) | Carrots | shredded |
| 1 can | Black Olives | sliced |
| 4-5 | Green Onions | chopped |
| 1/2 | English Cucumber | shredded, optional |
| 4-5 leaves | Fresh Basil | chopped, optional |
| 1/2 - 3/4 bottle | Italian Dressing | to taste |
| 1 teaspoon | Italian Seasoning | none |
| To Taste | Salt and Pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked 1 box rotini (or other) pasta, 8-16 ounces block cheddar cheese, 2 large (or 10 baby) carrots, 1 can black olives, 4-5 green onions, 1/2 English cucumber, and 4-5 leaves fresh basil.
Step 2: Toss and Season
- Pour the 1/2 - 3/4 bottle Italian dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, to taste salt, and to taste pepper.
Step 3: Mix and Chill
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Refrigerate for half a day or longer until the pasta absorbs the flavors and the salad is chilled throughout.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Let refrigerate for half a day or longer for optimal flavor; can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Original Recipe Scan
