75 Reviews of Perfect Pasta Salad:

From: Nougat

On Jun 11, 2008

Came across this recipe the other day and because of the reviews, decided to give it a try. I followed the recipe exactly except to use red pepper instead of green, and smoked gouda instead of provolone. I'm giving it four stars because the ingredients are wonderful together, and colors and textures of the salad are just great as well. The only downfall it has is the one thing that everyone else loved, for me it was the dressing, it's sweet, and I should have realized it would be because, knock, knock, it has a quarter cup of sugar! Anyway, I'll make it again only I'll cut back to two tablespoons of sugar, or leave it out altogether. Just thought I was obligated to write this as a bit of warning to others who may not care so much for a sweet dressing. Good recipe though!

From: Heather U.

On Jul 22, 2007

Great pasta salad! I prepared this on a Sunday to pack for lunches the coming week. It was so great, and super simple to prepare. I used whole grape tomatoes, and less sugar. To change it up after a few servings (which were excellent as is!), I added some cooked shredded chicken and marinated artichoke hearts. Thanks so much for this recipe!

From: ratherbeswimmin'

On Apr 17, 2003

You are right Kelley, this pasta salad is INCREDIBLE!! Beautiful with color and very refreshing taste. The dressing is nice and zesty. Took it to work to share with my co-workers and we all agreed it was worth 5-stars. Thanks.

From: Dmar 311

On May 17, 2007

The dressing is what makes this pasta salad amazing! I was looking for something original, good, and quick; this was definitely it. I made a few adjustments: I used red and yellow pepper instead of green, used feta instead of provolone cheese, left out the pepperoni, and threw in some fresh basil. Because I like my pasta salad to have bit more dressing, I increased the amount I made. This was really great. The first time I made it, it was gone in one day. The recipe does make a large amount, but it goes quickly!

From: Maz Roberts

On Jan 27, 2005

Really enjoyed this and so easy,halved recipe amount and used edam instead of provolene.Great hit with family.Thanks

From: IndianaNana

On May 27, 2008

A 10- star recipe! I used feta cheese, added 1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts, 1 green pepper and 2 medium tomatoes. So I didn't follow exactly, but I think this recipe is such a good one that you can change it around to fit your personal tastes. I took the huge bowl to a cookout (it makes alot) and ate 2 servings there. I had leftovers and ate them all when I got home! This tasted so good that you can stand at the refrigerator with the door open and eat a whole bowl before you know what hit you! I can't make this one again unless I am sure that there will be no leftovers or my pants won't zip! I was still thinking about how good it was today, and it's all gone! Don't hesitate to take this dish to a potluck, you won't be sorry. The others at the cookout enjoyed this salad, too, by the way, they just didn't act like the piggy that I did!

From: ~Bliss~

On Dec 26, 2007

This was very good. I'm not a fan of olives, but I did use them. I think probably the next time, I'll omit those. I used the pepperoni as stated, but I think I might trade off for ham the next time, and possibly use feta cheese. I had decided to half the recipe, and I'm delighted I changed my mind. I ate a ton of this after our Christmas dinner--I was starving at midnite. It's absolutely a keeper, and I'll make this again and experiment slightly (but not much). It's so good as is.

From: Pandamommy

On Jun 8, 2008

ok. I hardly got this in the fridge! It was good before it had time to "meld"! Couldn't find the pompeian brand of anything, so used what I had which is Star brand of red wine vinegar and some generic olive oil...which I used some canola oil in place of part...used salami instead of pepperoni, and feta cheese instead of provolone. I used red bell pepper in addition to the green, and I added a cubed up cucumber. I added a bit more dried oregano, and some minced fresh basil. I'm standing with IndianaNana in front of the fridge eating, eating til the bowl is empty!!!!! Next time I will add more fresh basil, and maybe try some garlic in there too, but this is GOOD just the way it is!!

From: momof2leos

On Jul 28, 2008

Fabulous!! I doubled this to feed 30 people and it was plenty. I added grape tomatoes, cukes, and brocolli and skipped the cheese and pepperoni for cost purposes. I made the salad the day before to intensify flavors and it was a crowd pleaser. Per another reviewer, I did add parmesean cheese to the dressing. Very addictive!

From: garbanzogal

On Mar 12, 2008

I made this last week for a family event and agree that it really IS perfect! The dressing wasn't too oily, but I did reduce the sugar just a bit. Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly as written.