Suddenly Pasta Salad (Irish Adaptation)

Looking for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is versatile? Suddenly Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for casual gatherings, summer picnics, or as a colourful side to your favourite mains. With a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, tangy cheese, and a zesty dressing, this recipe brings a Mediterranean flair to your table while keeping it easy and fuss-free.

History

Did you know pasta salads became a culinary sensation in the 1950s? They gained traction as an easy way to repurpose leftovers, with Italian immigrants in the USA popularising the combination of cold pasta and vegetables dressed with olive oil. Today, they’re beloved worldwide for their adaptability—whether you’re adding seasonal produce or experimenting with flavours, the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad shines as a standalone dish but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or hearty burgers. For a rustic touch, serve it alongside crusty brown bread or soda bread. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of colour and freshness before serving.

Storing Instructions

To store, transfer the pasta salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain its freshness. If you anticipate leftovers, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to keep the salad from becoming soggy.

Reheating Instructions

Since this dish is best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you’d like to warm it slightly, gently toss the portion you’re serving in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes—just enough to take the chill off.

Conclusion

We’d love to hear how you’ve personalised your Suddenly Pasta Salad! Did you add your favourite veggies or tweak the dressing? Share your tips and creations in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes that celebrate the joy of home cooking.

Suddenly Pasta Salad Recipe

Cooking Method Boiling, Mixing

Cuisine Irish

Courses Salad

Difficulty Beginner

Time

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Rest Time: 30 mins Total Time: 55 mins

Servings 6

Calories 320 kcal

Best Season Summer

Dietary Gluten-free option, Low-Sugar, vegetarian

Description

This Suddenly Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy cheeses in a light, flavourful dressing. Ideal for picnics, gatherings, or a quick lunch, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and bursting with freshness.

For the Salad:

350 g fusilli or rotini pasta
250 g cherry tomatoes
1 medium cucumber
1 red bell pepper
1/2 red onion
100 g feta cheese
100 g mozzarella balls
75 g black or Kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini (optional)
2 tbsp parsley
2 tbsp basil

For the Dressing:

60 ml extra virgin olive oil
30 ml red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Making the Pasta

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and pepperoncini. Toss gently to mix.
Add Cheese and Herbs
Carefully fold in the crumbled feta cheese and halved mozzarella balls. Sprinkle with parsley and basil for a fresh touch.

Dress the Salad

Dressing the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 350mg15%
Potassium 220mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 750 IU
Vitamin C 18 mg
Calcium 140 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
Vitamin E 1.5 IU
Vitamin K 25 mcg
Thiamin 0.3 mg
Riboflavin 0.2 mg
Niacin 1.5 mg
Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For the best flavour, use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs in the dressing.

If preparing the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and texture.

Feel free to customise the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preference—roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts make great additions.

This salad can easily be made gluten-free by swapping out the pasta for a gluten-free variety.

If you prefer a more robust flavour, let the salad marinate in the fridge overnight for even better taste.

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, quick recipe, vegetarian salad, Mediterranean flavours, picnic dish, cold pasta dish, easy side dish, Irish adaptation, potluck recipe

Read it online: https://greatfood.ie/recipe/suddenly-pasta-salad-irish-adaptation/

Fiona O'Sullivan

Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.

Print Options: