Looking for the best cold angel hair pasta salad recipe? Lucky you. You’ve landed in the right place! With my coworker’s blessing, I’m sharing her amazing cold angel hair pasta salad with Italian dressing. And the best thing is you can customize this recipe to your liking!
I would bet that most workplaces have at least one person who likes to surprise his/her coworkers with special desserts or treats from time to time. Has someone popped into your head yet? We have a lovely lady at work who not only brings desserts, but she shows up from time to time with full-blown soups and salads and such to share with everyone in the teacher’s lounge.
The great thing about this easy pasta salad is that it stays good in the fridge for days. This makes it perfect for lunches in the summer or for feeding a crowd at a potluck or gathering.
Making Cold Angel Hair Pasta Salad
First, I prepare the angel hair according to the instructions on the package. Then, I drain the pasta.
In a very large mixing bowl, I combine the pasta and whatever veggies I want. I usually add some shaved carrots, one large can of sliced olives, and a handful of sliced cherry or grape tomatoes.
To this, I add 1/2 bottle Italian salad dressing and 1 cup of mayonnaise. (Some people may prefer a bit more or a bit less. You might even wish to start with 3/4 cup and make your way up from there.)
To season, I add one to two tablespoons of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning (made right here in Arkansas) – suited to taste. I prefer closer to two tablespoons of the seasoning, but others might prefer a bit less. Actually, you can adjust any of the ingredients to suit your taste.
In the past, I have bought the frozen mini crab cakes from the frozen appetizers section at the grocery store and served them on top of this angel hair pasta salad for a simple but elegant lunch.
This is such an easy pasta salad recipe. But, gosh, it sure gets the compliments! Since no meats are included, this pasta salad works as a fabulous side dish along a meaty sandwich like a classic club sandwich.
Be sure to check out another popular brunch/lunch recipe from my site – my cheddar and sausage quiche! Or maybe you want more pasta? Check out my delicious chicken spaghetti!
Angel Hair Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz Angel hair pasta
- 1 can Black olives sliced (3.8 oz can)
- 2 cups Carrots shaved
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes halved; can use grape tomatoes
- 1 cup Mayonnaise You may prefer a little more or a little less.
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1 tbsp Cavender's Greek Seasoning can add 1-2 tablespoons – suited to taste
Instructions
- Cook angel hair pasta according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and rinse in cold water.
- In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing very well.
- Chill for at least one hour and serve (though you can also serve immediately, if desired).
- Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator.
- Note: any of the ingredients may be adjusted to suit personal taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Jean Wood
I am not familiar with the seasoning. I’m from SouthTX. What can I substitute ?
Cat
So I made this recipe and I liked it pretty much as you can see from the rating that I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. I had to cut this hat recipe and half as it was basically only for me so I made 8 oz of pasta and cut the other ingredients as well including the mayo which you had one and a half cups but I used 3/4 of a cup. The main problem with it is had too much mayonnaise in it. The seasonings were perfect Love the olives and the tomatoes and the carrots everything worked well together but it was too much mayo like I said. So the next time I make it I will use a half a cup of mayo and that should be perfect. Thank you for this great recipe!
Cat
Haven’t made this yet but I do have a question. Further up in the recipe you say to add two teaspoons of cavender seasonings to the dressing and mail but in the printable version you have two tablespoons of the seasoning. Which is the correct measurement? I will be making this later today and I hope I get the answer otherwise I’m going to have to probably go with the smaller amount.
Amy
Hi Cat! Thanks for the feedback! I have adjusted the recipe and the recipe card to, hopefully, be more clear with the amount of seasoning! You can add between 1-2 tablespoons of the Cavender’s. I prefer two tablespoons, but I suggest you start with one and go up from there to suit your tastes. I’m sorry I missed your comment sooner!
Mary
Yum. This would be great for summer BBQs.
The Gifted Gabber
Yes! As long as it can be kept mostly chilled, it is perfect for barbecues! It goes fast!
Al
I love this pasta salad recipe. I usually make it and eat 2-3 days.
Westend Mum
Looks nice! Is the angel hair pasta different from the spaghetti? We do not have the angle hair pastas here in Finland..!
http://westendmum.fi
Connie Thomas
Angel hair pasta is a very thin spaghetti. Just use the thinnest pasta available in your area.
Chelsea @TheCrazySAHM
This looks so amazing! We have been eating pasta salad at least once a week this summer, so I will have to add this recipe to our collection! Thank you for sharing!
Bailey
There are so many yummy things in that! It looks delicious.
Stephanie
Olives. I would not have thought to add those! Good tip.