Description
The Ultimate Supreme Pasta Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional pasta salads. Tossed with a perfectly balanced spice blend, rich Romano cheese, and tender pasta, this salad is the star of any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, barbecue, or quick weeknight dinner, this refreshing dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup ground Romano cheese (or Parmesan as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or farfalle recommended)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Spices
- In a small bowl, combine sesame seeds, paprika, kosher salt, celery seed, poppy seeds, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir until all the spices are evenly mixed.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
- Stir in the ground Romano cheese with the spice blend.
- Mix thoroughly so the cheese is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Spice Blend
- Place the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the spice and cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Toss gently until all the pasta is evenly coated with the spice blend.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the salad with additional sesame seeds and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
- Serve chilled as a side dish or light main course.
Notes
- Customize Your Pasta: Use short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle to help hold the seasoning.
- Cheese Alternatives: Parmesan cheese works well as a substitute if you can’t find Romano cheese.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: For extra texture and flavor, toss in chopped cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American