Easy 4 ingredient pasta salad with angel hair pasta, Italian dressing and vegetables. How long to cook angel hair pasta perfectly on the stove or as Pressure Cooker Pasta is here. Then you can make this cheap cold summer side dish without mayo that is a family favorite.
Cold angel hair pasta salad can be made in less than 30 minutes. Served at a barbecue or potluck it is a colorful and inexpensive way to combine noodles with olives, zucchini, tomatoes, onions and cheese if you like. (affiliate links present)
Angel Hair Pasta Salad No Mayo
You could add bits of precooked meat into the mix too if you wanted. If you have tried our Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe you know what I am talking about!! Just sprinkle right out of the package at the end will give this dish a bit more salty and savory flavors. Diced ham would be a great option as well.
Now as far as the vegetables and dressing goes, there are tons of options. This one just uses bottled salad dressing to make it as easy as possible. If you wanted a Creamy Pasta Salad with Mayo you can toss with that instead. Adding a bit of citrus into the mix is a great option with both really too.
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How Long to Cook Angel Hair Pasta
Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the very thin noodles. Your desired level of doneness is subjective as well. It’s always a good idea to check the package instructions for specific cooking times and adjust accordingly based on your preferences but 2-4 minutes is average.
How to boil thin spaghetti noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil first.
- Once boiling, add pasta to the pot. Use a stirring utensil to gently separate the strands and prevent them from clumping together.
- Cook only for about 2-4 minutes. Since it is so thin this cooks much faster than other varieties, so be sure to check it frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Test for doneness by tasting a strand, it should be tender but still slightly firm (al dente) to the bite.
- Once done to your liking, immediately drain it in a colander to remove excess water.
- Toss immediately with sauce or toppings.
Once done I do like to drizzle a bit of olive oil on there and toss so they don’t become a huge clump that no longer separates. Then decide what you want your add-ins to be. If you are going for a Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Pasta Salad you would want to air fry your zucchini and squash quickly beforehand. We are keeping this cold overall.
How to Make Pasta Salad Without Mayo
There are other ways to make this creamy if you want. Sour cream or Greek yogurt like we used in our Dill Pickle Pasta Salad No Sour Cream are great options as well. Which way you go may depend on dietary restrictions or what you are pairing this with.
Yes, there are a few reasons why;
1. Stops the Cooking Process and prevents the pasta from becoming overcooked or mushy. This is particularly important for pasta salads, where you want the pasta to have a firm texture.
2. Cools the Pasta which is important when making a cold pasta salad. Chilling the pasta rapidly prevents it from continuing to cook and helps maintain its texture.
3. Removes Excess Starch from the surface, which can make it sticky. This will help it have a more pleasant texture and doesn’t clump together.
Extra virgin olive oil is often preferred for cold pasta salad due to its fruity flavor, smooth texture, and relatively low acidity. Cold-pressed olive oil is extracted from olives without any heat which then results in a more flavorful product.
What does cold pasta salad contain?
Beyond the obvious cooked pasta and dressing the rest is up to you. You may just want to add fresh herbs like diced fresh basil, bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes to your large bowl and leave it at that.
If you want to add a little wow, use boiled al dente Frozen Ravioli instead of plain pasta. For something like a Loaded Tuna Macaroni Salad we like all the things. Parmesan cheese, green onions, and cubed cheddar with the canned meat is a go!
How to Make Pasta Salad with Angel Hair Pasta
In a large 4 quart stock pot, add 3 quarts of water and bring to a rapid boil. Add angel hair pasta (or pasta shape of choice) and mix. When the water returns to a boil, cook for 4 or so minutes, stirring frequently until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool. Add pasta to a serving bowl. Then add in all the add ins you want, bite sized. Add grape tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, cheese, Italian dressing.
How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Typically it will last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, the exact shelf life can vary depending on the ingredients used in the salad and how it’s prepared and stored. Transfer to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag before refrigerating. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the salad fresh for longer.
If it contains ingredients like mayonnaise, dairy products, or cooked seafood, be mindful of their shelf life. These ingredients can spoil more quickly and may shorten the overall shelf life. Before eating check for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors, mold growth, or changes in texture or color. Jump to recipe and get started!
4 Ingredient Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta, or small noodles/small ravioli, boiled until al dente
- 1 c Italian dressing
- 1 c grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 c cucumber, sliced and quartered
Things to Add to Cold Pasta
- 1/2 c olives, sliced
- 1/2 c red onions, sliced
- 8 oz cheese, cubed
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1/2 c bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- In a large 4 quart stock pot, add 3 quarts of water and bring to a rapid boil. Add angel hair pasta and mix. When the water returns to a boil, cook for 4 or so minutes, stirring frequently until al dente.
- Drain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to cool. Add pasta to a serving bowl. Then add in all the add ins you want, bite sized. Add grape tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onions, cheese, Italian dressing.
- Mix well to distribute dressing and vegetables. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
