Its unfussy, crowd pleasing for all ages, and a snap to make.

And its perfect forBBQs,potlucks,tailgate partiesjust about any al fresco gathering.

This is a super colorful easy pasta salad, too, with an abundance of different flavors.

Southern Living Pasta Salad with a couple of servings scooped out onto plates

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Mozzarella pearls add pops of delightful creaminess.

Learn how to make easy pasta salad.

Serve it alongside hot dogs,grilled chicken sandwiches, or any other classic picnic fare.

Southern Living Pasta Salad ingredients

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It will keep up to five days in the fridge.

For these reasons, its also ideal as a make-ahead dish.

How Do You Make Pasta Salad Not Dry?

Southern Living Pasta Salad in a bowl to serve

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If you find your pasta salad tastes too dry, simply add more dressing to taste.

Easy Pasta Salad Variations

The salami in this recipe adds both saltiness and a dose of protein.

More Pasta Salad Recipes

Love pasta salads and their next-day good nature?

Southern Living Pasta Salad cooking the pasta

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Try these other favorite pasta salads next;

Ingredients

1(16-oz.)

pkg.fusilli pasta

1pt.multi-colored cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)

1(8-oz.)

pkg.fresh mozzarella cheese pearls, drained

2cupsmarinated quartered artichoke hearts(from 1 [14 1/2-oz.]

Southern Living Pasta Salad pasta in colander after cooking

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jar)

1 1/2cupsdiced dry-cured pork salami(6 oz.)

1cuplightly packed fresh basil leaves(from 1 [2-oz.]

1cupbottleditalian dressing

3/4cupchopped orange bell pepper(from 1 medium [8 oz.]

Southern Living Pasta Salad vegetables, meat, and cheese in mixing bowl

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Drain and rinse under cold water until cool, about 1 minute; drain and set aside.

Finish pasta salad:

Add pasta, tossing to evenly combine.

Let stand for at least 5 minutes before serving, stirring occasionally.

Southern Living Pasta Salad stirring in the pasta

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(Pasta Salad may be covered and chilled overnight).