Easy Salad Supreme Pasta Salad

If there is one side dish that has shown up at almost every family cookout, church potluck, summer BBQ, and random "bring something easy" gathering in my life, it's salad supreme pasta salad. It's colorful, simple to throw together, and packed with that nostalgic zesty flavor with just a few ingredients!

My mom has been making this pasta salad for as long as I can remember, and now I make it for practically every event too. It's one of those recipes that feels nostalgic in the best way, but it also makes hosting easier because you can prep it ahead, let it chill, and pull it out when it's time to eat.

As a Southern RD, I love recipes like this because they make adding more color to the table feel easy and realistic. You get crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, a little bite from red onion, and plenty of flavor without a complicated ingredient list!

If you love easy make-ahead sides for warm weather, try my strawberry caprese pasta salad, quick pineapple slaw, or cajun coleslaw next.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for summer gatherings: This salad supreme pasta salad is made for BBQs, picnics, pool days, potlucks, tailgates, and any meal where you need a side dish that travels well.
• Easy to make ahead: The pasta soaks up the dressing and seasoning as it chills, so this is a great recipe to prep the night before.
• Simple ingredients: You only need pasta, fresh vegetables, Italian dressing, grated parmesan, and Salad Supreme seasoning.
• Easy to customize: You can keep it simple or add extras like olives, pepperoni, mozzarella pearls, bell peppers, or banana peppers.

Try my BLT chicken pasta salad next for a fresh, filling dinner packed with classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavor.

Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Ingredients

This cold pasta salad uses simple, colorful ingredients that come together for a zesty, make-ahead side dish everyone can scoop onto their plate.

• Tri-color rotini: I usually reach for tri-color rotini because it adds color and holds the dressing well, but bowtie pasta or penne would work great too.
• Cherry tomatoes: These add juicy sweetness and a pop of color throughout the pasta salad. I typically cut them in half for the perfect bite!
• Mini cucumbers: I like using mini cucumbers because they stay crisp, have tender skin, and are easy to slice.
• Red onion: A little red onion adds just enough bite to balance the dressing and parmesan.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan mixes into the dressing better than shredded parmesan and gives every bite a salty, savory flavor.
• Italian dressing: Bottled Italian dressing keeps this recipe quick and easy, so use one you already love.
• Salad Supreme seasoning: This is what gives the pasta salad that classic nostalgic flavor.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

This pasta salad with salad supreme is easy to switch up depending on what you have in the fridge or what your people like.

• You can add pepperoni or salami to make this pasta salad heartier for tailgates, potlucks, or an easy lunch option.
• Stir in mozzarella pearls if you want a creamy, mild cheese that pairs well with the tomatoes and Italian dressing.
• Try black olives or green olives when you want more of that classic Italian pasta salad flavor.
• Mix in banana peppers for a tangy bite that plays really well with the zesty dressing and Salad Supreme seasoning.
• Add bell peppers if you want extra crunch, color, and a little more produce in the bowl.
• Toss in chickpeas to make this pasta salad more filling while keeping it simple and budget-friendly.
• Swap in bowtie, penne, or regular rotini if that's what you already have in your pantry.

How to Make the Best Pasta Salad Recipe

Here's how to bring this easy pasta salad together without making it harder than it needs to be.

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until cooled. Let it drain well so the pasta salad does not get watery.

Step 3: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the mini cucumbers, and finely dice or thinly slice the red onion.

Step 4: Add the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, grated parmesan, Italian dressing, and Salad Supreme seasoning to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing and seasoning.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir again before serving and add a little extra dressing if needed.

What Goes With Pasta Salad?

This salad supreme pasta salad goes with just about anything you'd serve at a summer cookout, picnic, or easy family dinner.

• Serve it with grilled chicken or air fryer BBQ chicken when you want a simple, filling meal that still feels fresh and easy.
• Pair it with chicken burgers and hot dogs for a classic cookout plate that everyone expects to see in the summertime.
• Add it next to pulled pork or BBQ sandwiches because the tangy Italian dressing and crunchy vegetables balance those smoky flavors so well.
• Scoop it beside sliders or deli sandwiches for baby showers, game day spreads, pool lunches, or casual parties.
• Serve it with fresh fruit or fruit salad when you want something sweet and refreshing next to the savory pasta salad.
• Round out the table with summer sides like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or watermelon.

Storage

This salad supreme pasta salad recipe stores really well, which is one of the reasons it's such a good make-ahead side dish.

• Leftovers: Store leftover salad supreme pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Stir before serving, and add an extra splash of Italian dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing.