Name: Potluck Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 250 min
Yield: 8 people
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)

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!

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Easy Pasta Salad For Large Crowds

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 mix it 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.

How to Make Potluck Pasta Salad

Cook angel hair pasta according to directions on the package.
Rinse pasta with cold water and drain well.
Chop red pepper and dice red onion.
In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients well.
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.

Other Cold Potluck Dish Ideas:

Here are a couple other our family favorite side dish recipes

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

Printable Easy Pasta Salad Potluck Recipe