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!
If you like this recipe you may also enjoy Overnight Salad.
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 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.
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
- 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
We hope you enjoy these excellent side dishes as much as we do!
Printable Easy Pasta Salad Potluck Recipe
Potluck Pasta Salad
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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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!