Margherita Pasta Salad

Share

I am always on the lookout for a new pasta salad.  Pasta salads are the perfect side dishes for bbqs.  If you are spending all day outside cooking, the last thing you want to do is run in the house and cook sides.  Pasta salads can be prepared the day before and they are cool so they are perfect for when it is super hot outside.  I came up with the idea for this salad after eating my favorite brick oven pizza, The Margherita Pizza.  That amazing pie covered in mozzarella, tomatoes and basil.

This pasta salad is the perfect side for any barbecue.

Margherita Pasta Salad

  • 1 pound rotini
  • 6-8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz mini mozzarella balls
  • 1/4 cup basil, chiffonade (to cut into strips)
  • Dressing
    • 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
    • 1/2 small onion
    • 3 tbs red wine vinegar
    • 2 tbs white sugar
    • 1 tsp basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1/2 tsp marjoram
    • 1/2 tsp rosemary
    • 1/2 tsp thyme

Boil the rotini to al dente according to the package directions.  Drain and chill under cold water.

In a blender combine the dressing ingredients.  Mix until smooth.

In a large bowl combine pasta, halved tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls and basil.

Pour in the dressing and fold it in.  Make sure to gently fold in the dressing as you do not want to break apart the tomato halves.

Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

This was a great salad.  It was fresh and amazing.  The cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella really popped.

Rex

Rex is an avid griller, barbecuer and bacon enthusiast. He is the Pitmaster for the Rex BBQ competition team. Rex was also featured on the TV show American Grilled. If you have any questions or wish to have Rex decode your favorite dish, click on the ASK REX link in the menu above.

Recent Posts

Hershey Kiss Chocolate Martini

We had an unforgettable family trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where we induldged in the elegance… Read More

10 months ago

Baked Boursin a Holiday Treat

Baked boursin is the perfect holiday appetizer! A little cheese, a little panko and 30… Read More

1 year ago

All-American Boozy Slushy

I wanted to go All-American with my cocktail on Memorial Day! This cocktail screams red,… Read More

3 years ago

Perfect Jalapeno Popper’s (AKA Poppy’s Poppers)

Are you in the mood to smoke some delicious jalapeno poppers on your grill? Look… Read More

3 years ago

Homemade Super Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

My kids love pancakes! So, I am always experimenting with new recipes. This latest recipe… Read More

3 years ago

Bar-Tender’s Whisky Sour Mix – Thirsty Thursday!

This amazing mix makes the perfect whiskey sour in under a minute! Mix, shake and… Read More

3 years ago