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Labor Day BBQ Pasta Salad - featured image

Labor Day BBQ Pasta Salad: Easy Family-Friendly Summer Side

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A sturdy, creamy, and budget-friendly pasta salad that holds up well in the heat, perfect for summer BBQs and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 medium red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
  • Optional: 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, sliced

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down quickly.
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the cucumber. If using bacon, cook and crumble it.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, shredded cheese, and bacon (if using).
  6. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Before serving, stir well. If the salad appears dry, add a splash of milk or extra dressing to loosen it.
  9. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure pasta is completely cooled before adding dressing to prevent cheese from melting and veggies from getting soggy. The salad tastes better after chilling overnight. Do not freeze as the mayo will separate and vegetables will become mushy. If the salad becomes too dry after refrigeration, stir in a splash of milk or extra dressing.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 8

Keywords: Labor Day, BBQ pasta salad, summer side dish, family friendly, budget friendly, make ahead, picnic food

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Find it online: https://cookelu.com/labor-day-bbq-pasta-salad-easy-family-friendly-summer-side/