Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is simple to prepare and ideal for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, or a casual family meal. This cold pasta salad combines rotini with a colorful mix of vegetables, small mozzarella balls, zesty Italian dressing, and McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning for a bright, savory finish. Below you’ll find an easy-to-follow Salad Supreme pasta salad recipe, ingredient substitutions, storage notes, nutrition details, and tips to make it your own.
If you want a dependable, budget-friendly pasta salad, this Salad Supreme version is a great choice. The seasoning blend adds tang and savory notes while Italian dressing ties everything together. Although pasta salad is often associated with summer, this recipe works well year-round as a bright, cold side alongside heartier dishes.
This pasta salad tends to be a crowd-pleaser: it’s approachable, colorful, and easy to adapt to picky eaters by swapping or omitting ingredients.
➕ How to Make Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to make pasta salad with Salad Supreme seasoning:
1. Cook the pasta to al dente following the package directions. Al dente pasta will hold up better in the salad and avoid a mushy texture.
2. While the pasta cooks, prep the vegetables and cheese. Quarter and thinly slice the zucchini. Halve the grape tomatoes and the small mozzarella balls. Dice the orange bell pepper and the red onion.
3. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool. Do not rinse the pasta unless you prefer a less-sticky texture; rinsing can remove some surface flavor. If needed, toss the pasta with about half of the dressing to prevent sticking.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced zucchini, drained corn, mozzarella, diced pepper, tomatoes, onion, and Salad Supreme seasoning. Stir gently to mix, then pour in the Italian dressing and toss again until everything is coated.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, but do not leave it unrefrigerated for longer than two hours for food safety.
How much Salad Supreme do you put in pasta salad?
A good starting point is about 1/4 cup of Salad Supreme seasoning per 1 pound (454 g) of dry pasta. Some recipes use less — as little as 1½ to 2 tablespoons per pound — so you can adjust the amount to taste.
🥗 What are the ingredients of pasta salad?
Here’s a shopping list for Salad Supreme Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb. rotini or cavatappi pasta (dry)
- 1 cup thinly sliced zucchini
- 8 oz. canned corn, drained (about 1 cup; frozen corn works too)
- 6 oz. small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup Italian dressing (light or regular to taste)
- 1/4 cup McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a colorful, balanced pasta salad. Feel free to swap or omit items based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Use the equipment listed below to make the salad:
- Large pasta pot
- Colander to drain pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- A sharp knife for chopping
😋 What does Salad Supreme taste like?
Salad Supreme seasoning offers a tangy, cheesy profile with earthy notes and a touch of spice. Many cooks use it to brighten pasta salads, vegetables, poultry, and seafood. The blend complements Mediterranean-style ingredients and fresh vegetables very well.
⭐ Pasta Salad Substitutions
This recipe works as a side dish, but adding protein such as grilled chicken, turkey, or shrimp will make it a complete main course. You can also use a higher-protein pasta alternative (for example, chickpea-based pasta) in place of regular wheat pasta.
Compact shapes like rotini, penne, or macaroni are ideal because they capture dressing and bits of seasoning. If you prefer, use a tricolor pasta for visual variety.
Additional mix-in ideas include:
- Pepperoni or salami
- Black olives
- Cucumbers or carrots
- Cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or romano
- Broccoli florets or cauliflower
- Roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts
🍗 What goes with pasta salad?
Pasta salad pairs well with grilled or roasted proteins and classic picnic foods. Consider serving it alongside:
- Air fryer or grilled barbecue chicken
- Baked riblets or spare ribs
- Burgers or smoked burgers
- Sliced deli sandwiches or deli-style meats
️🌡️ How long can pasta salads be kept in the fridge?
Stored in a covered container, pasta salad will keep for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator. For food safety, do not leave pasta salad at room temperature for longer than two hours.
Should Salad Supreme be refrigerated?
Yes. Salad Supreme seasoning contains dairy ingredients (like cheddar) that benefit from refrigeration after opening to maintain freshness.
Does pasta salad freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended for this pasta salad because the fresh vegetables and mozzarella will lose texture when thawed. Instead, scale the recipe down if you need smaller portions.
📋 Pasta Salad Calories
Estimated nutrition for one serving of this Salad Supreme pasta salad: about 315 calories, ~49.5 g carbohydrates, and ~11.9 g protein. Actual nutrition will vary with portion size and the specific dressing you use; full-fat dressings will raise calories and fat compared to light versions.
FAQs
Is Salad Supreme being discontinued?
Salad Supreme is still available. Availability may vary by store and region; if you cannot find it locally, inquire at other stores or check online retailers.
How to make pasta salad without Salad Supreme?
If you don’t have Salad Supreme, you can season the salad with a homemade blend of dried herbs (oregano, basil), garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan or cheddar powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to approximate the flavor profile.
How do you keep pasta salad from getting soggy?
Cook pasta to al dente and drain thoroughly. Consider adding only half the dressing initially and adding more just before serving to avoid excess moisture.
Should you make pasta salad the night before?
Yes. Making the salad the night before allows flavors to meld. Keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator to retain moisture and freshness.
Why is my pasta salad not creamy?
Creaminess depends on the pasta texture and the dressing. Pasta that is undercooked will not absorb dressing well, while overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Find the balance by cooking to al dente and using the right amount of dressing.
Is McCormick Salad Supreme seasoning gluten free?
Packaging for McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme lists it as gluten free. Formulations can change, so always check the label on the product you purchase. Note that this seasoning contains dairy and is therefore not vegan.
👩🏻🍳 Other Salad Recipes
For more salad inspiration, consider trying meal-prep salads, fruit and greens combinations, or protein-packed salads featuring chicken or popcorn chicken-style toppings.
Watch How to Make It
(Video removed in this version)
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad Recipe (with McCormick Seasoning)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry pasta (454 g)
- 1 cup zucchini, quartered and thinly sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 oz. small mozzarella balls (about 170 g), halved if large
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, diced
- 8 oz. canned corn, drained (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing (light or regular)
- 1/4 cup Salad Supreme seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables and cheese: quarter and slice the zucchini, halve the grape tomatoes and mozzarella, dice the bell pepper and red onion, and drain the corn.
- If the cooked pasta is sticky, toss it with half the dressing to separate the pieces. Do not rinse unless you prefer that texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, zucchini, corn, mozzarella, bell pepper, tomatoes, and red onion. Add the Salad Supreme seasoning and toss gently.
- Pour in the Italian dressing and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve chilled or at room temperature within two hours.
Equipment
- Pasta pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Good kitchen knife
Notes
Tips: Use colorful vegetables to boost visual appeal and nutrients. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or another cooked protein. For a lighter sodium option, reduce the amount of seasoning and choose a low-sodium dressing.
Make ahead: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Stir before serving and add extra dressing if it seems dry.
Freezing: Not recommended — fresh vegetables and cheese do not freeze well in this salad.
Nutrition
Per serving (estimate): Calories 315 kcal; Carbohydrates 49.5 g; Protein 11.9 g; Fat 7.6 g; Saturated Fat 2.3 g; Sodium ~827 mg; Fiber 3.6 g. Vitamin C and other micronutrients will vary based on the vegetables used.
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