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Potluck Pasta Salad

May 23, 2018 by Jennifer @ Plowing Through Life 4 Comments

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Are you looking for an easy pasta salad for holidays, parties and potlucks?  Then you’ve got to try this Potluck Pasta Salad recipe.  This pasta salad is so EASY and DELICIOUS!  People always ask for the recipe and there are only 5 ingredients, so we have it memorized!

pasta salad recipe for large crowds

If you like this recipe you may also enjoy Overnight Salad and Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo.

Potluck Pasta Salad Recipe

My first memory of this pasta salad was that my mom made several batches for my graduation party.  I’ve taken it to birthday parties, baptism meals, potlucks and other meals where there are large crowds several times.  The angel hair pasta, Marzetti Slaw Dressing, frozen peas, red pepper and red onion blend so well together.  People of all ages LOVE this Potluck Pasta Salad!

This is an easy recipe that always gets lots of compliments, so that’s a winner in our book!  Pasta is such an economical, good, filling dish to add to the buffet line at parties.  This is definitely one of her most-requested recipes.

My mom is a big fan of making a double batch a couple of days before the party.  Just like our Linguine Salad, mix everything up and store covered in the refrigerator.

We like to eat leftovers in 4 days or less, but the first day or two the pasta salad gets better each day as the dressing flavors really soak into the pasta.

party food idea is easy pasta salad. great graduation party food, grill out side dish and potluck or carry in dish

How to Make Potluck Pasta Salad

  1. Cook angel hair pasta according to directions on the package.
  2. Rinse pasta with cold water and drain well.
  3. Chop red pepper and dice red onion.
  4. In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients well.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.  Store in the refrigerator.

Tips for Pasta Salad Success

  • My mom knows a lot of fun food tricks.  She taught me to cut a thin slice off the very bottom of the red pepper and use it as a garnish that looks like a flower.  This is such a fun way to dress up a vegetable tray, or any dish that calls for bell peppers.
  • I’ve been privy to hearing this tip several times – buy the Marzetti Slaw Dressing.  Don’t buy a cheaper brand and for heaven’s sake DON’T buy the lite version of the slaw dressing.  I hear it just doesn’t mix up quite right or stick to the pasta.
  • I always use my nice pasta serving spoon to mix and share this recipe.
  • When serving at a potluck the serving bowl can be easily placed on top of another bowl containing a layer of ice.  This will help keep your dish cold and safe a little longer than usual if serving in a warm environment at a party.
  • Dish can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator if serving at a large party.
Collage of easy pasta salad recipe  made with spaghetti called Potluck Pasta Salad.

Other Cold Potluck Dish Ideas:

Here are a couple other our family favorite side dish recipes

  • Farmhouse Potato Salad
  • Easy Cinnamon Fruit Dip
  • How to Make a Fruit Tray
  • How to Make a Vegetable Tray
  • Peanut Butter and Yogurt Dip
  • Apple and Cheddar Cheese Snack
  • Chili Cheese Ball  
  • Muffuletta Pasta Salad

We hope you enjoy these excellent side dishes as much as we do!

Printable Easy Pasta Salad Potluck Recipe

pasta salad recipe for large crowds

Potluck Pasta Salad

Are you looking for an easy pasta salad for holidays, parties and potlucks?  Then you've got to try this Potluck Pasta Salad recipe.  This pasta salad is so EASY and DELICIOUS!  People always ask for the recipe and there are only 5 ingredients, so we have it memorized!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Potluck Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerate: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 220kcal
Author: Jennifer @ Plowing Through Life

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces angel hair pasta cooked
  • 1 red pepper diced
  • 1 bag frozen peas
  • 1 jar Marzetti Slaw Dressing
  • 1/2 cup red onion chopped, optional

Instructions

  • Cook angel hair pasta according to directions on the package.  Rinse pasta with cold water.  Drain well.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly.  
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.  Store in the refrigerator.  

Notes

 

  • My mom knows a lot of fun food tricks.  She taught me to cut a thin slice off the very bottom of the red pepper and use it as a garnish that looks like a flower.  This is such a fun way to dress up a vegetable tray, or any dish that calls for bell peppers.
  • I’ve been privy to hearing this tip several times – buy the Marzetti Slaw Dressing.  Don’t buy a cheaper brand and for heaven’s sake DON’T buy the lite version of the slaw dressing.  I hear it just doesn’t mix up quite right or stick to the pasta.
  • I always use my nice pasta serving spoon to mix and share this recipe.
  • When serving at a potluck the serving bowl can be easily placed on top of another bowl containing a layer of ice.  This will help keep your dish cold and safe a little longer than usual if serving in a warm environment at a party.
  • Dish can be made up to two days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator if serving at a large party.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 466IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Follow me@PlowingThroughLife and mention #PlowingThroughLife!

Filed Under: Easy Recipes, Farmhouse Favorites, Food & Recipes, Holiday Food, Side Dish Tagged With: pasta, potluck

Previous Post: « Farmhouse Pork Chop Marinade
Next Post: Farmhouse Homemade Granola Bars »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Megan | MegUnprocessed

    June 1, 2018 at 5:29 am

    Love a pasta salad! They are so easy to make!

    Reply
  2. Carolyn

    June 2, 2018 at 12:51 am

    I can’t wait to try making this! I love the flavors together!

    Reply
  3. Nancy

    July 15, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    Do you defrost the bag of frozen peas or add in frozen?

    Reply
    • Jennifer Osterholt

      July 16, 2018 at 4:49 pm

      I just defrost the bag for about 30 minutes while I’m cooking the pasta, but you can add straight from the freezer. It’s super easy!

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