This delicious, creamy, and light pasta salad, made with just a few simple ingredients, is the ultimate summer side dish. It's a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in the fridge, and it's so easy to make that you can whip it up in no time. Mary Berry's pasta salad is a classic, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
What You'll Need To Make Mary Berry's Pasta Salad
To make this delicious pasta salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of pasta, such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion
How To Make Mary Berry's Pasta Salad
Making Mary Berry's pasta salad is so easy. Here's what you need to do:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir to combine. Add any desired add-ins and stir to combine.
- Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
Tips For Making The Perfect Pasta Salad
- Use any type of pasta you like – fusilli, farfalle, penne, and bow-tie pasta all work well.
- Mix in your favorite add-ins – crumbled feta cheese, chopped black olives, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion are all delicious additions.
- Be sure to chill the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of pasta to use for pasta salad?
Any type of short pasta works well for pasta salad – fusilli, farfalle, penne, and bow-tie pasta are all great options.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
No, you don't have to use Parmesan cheese in the pasta salad. You can use any type of cheese you like – cheddar, mozzarella, and feta are all good options.
Can I make the pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pasta salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with pasta salad?
Pasta salad pairs nicely with grilled meats and vegetables, as well as salads and sandwiches.
How long does pasta salad last in the refrigerator?
Pasta salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.