Mom’s Famous Angel Hair Pasta Salad
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Super thin spaghetti coated in a light slaw dressing and tossed with red peppers, red onions and peas makes a delicious and easy Angel Hair Pasta Salad recipe.
If you like this recipe you may also enjoy our Big Batch of Macaroni Salad that is also popular at big gatherings or our Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream and Mayo.
Angel Hair Pasta Salad Recipe
Also known as Potluck Pasta Salad, my mom has made this simple recipe for years. She makes it so much this pasta salad with angel hair spaghetti has become famous in our family and friend circles.
My first memory of this cold 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.
People always ask for the recipe and there are only 5 ingredients, so we have it memorized! 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!
Mom is also known for her Big Batch of Baked Beans and her No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake at parties.
Pasta Salad For A Potluck
My mom is a big fan of making a double batch a couple of days before the party. Just like our Linguine Salad with Salad Supreme seasoning, mix everything up and store covered in the refrigerator.
This recipe is most popular in the summer at graduation parties and picnics because it’s a cold pasta salad that is refreshing. Although it shows up on holiday tables too!
The thin angel hair pasta with the creamy slaw dressing is light. Kids and adults always enjoy this recipe!
We like to eat leftovers in 4 days or less. The first day or two the pasta salad gets better each day as the dressing flavors really soak into the pasta.
Ingredients Needed:
- Angel hair pasta – regular spaghetti or thin spaghetti also work fine
- Slaw dressing – we prefer a jar of Marzettis
- Bag of frozen peas – no defrosting is necessary
- Red pepper – Slice the bottom of to make a flower decoration on top and chop the rest
- Red onion – Chop about half of the onion to mix in, adds great color and crunch
Step By Step Instructions
Cook pasta to be tender and easy to eat. Drain.
Be sure to rinse the pasta under cold water quickly and thoroughly. This will also help the pasta to cool so salad can be made more quickly.
Pour the dressing over the pasta.
Stir until all of the pasta has an even coating of dressing.
Add chopped up veggies and stir well!
Cover with plastic wrap or put in a self sealing container in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 4 hours.
Serve when the salad is chilled through.
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.
- The Marzetti Slaw Dressing that is similar to mayo, but a high quality Italian dressing also tastes great.
- 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.
- If preparing ahead of time stir before serving to freshen up the salad and even up the distribution of dressing over the pasta.
- This recipe is easy to customize by adding in small pieces of broccoli, chopped cucumber or your favorite vegetable.
- Chopped chicken or shrimp can also be stirred in to make the dish a bit heartier.
Other Cold Dishes for a Potluck:
- Farmhouse Potato Salad
- Easy Cinnamon Fruit Dip
- How to Make a Fruit Tray
- How to Make a Vegetable Tray
- Muffuletta Pasta Salad
- Lime Jello Salad
We hope you enjoy these excellent side dishes as much as we do!
Printable Cold Angel Hair Salad Recipe
Mom’s Famous Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Author: JenniferEquipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces angel hair pasta cooked
- 1 red pepper diced
- 1 bag frozen peas
- 1 13 ounce 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 2 – 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.
- 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.
Originally published May 23, 2018 and updated on October 4, 2022.
Love a pasta salad! They are so easy to make!
I can’t wait to try making this! I love the flavors together!
Do you defrost the bag of frozen peas or add in frozen?
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!
Yum! Sometimes the best recipes are the simple ones.
Just made this reciepe. I like it!! I added cracked pepper and Parmesan cheese. This is a perfect cold dish. It does need to be stirred often as the veggies will end to got to the bottom. I did make sure to go light on the slaw mix and it’s a great taste.