Homemade Creamy and Delicious Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a popular and elegant Iranian dish that is often served as a salad, and in some gatherings, even as an appetizer. You can also enjoy it as a complete meal. For variety, you might try recipes like chicken pasta salad or tuna pasta salad.

Follow along as we share a simple recipe for a tasty pasta salad. To make the perfect pasta salad, start by preparing all the ingredients (as shown in the picture), then follow the steps to create this simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a suitable pot with water according to the amount of pasta. Bring the water to a boil, then add a little vegetable oil.

Step 2: Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.

Step 3: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until tender.

Step 4: While the pasta cooks, wash the pickles, bell pepper, and carrots. Dice them finely. Cut the bologna into small cubes. Grate the carrots to medium-sized strips.

Step 5: In a bowl, add the mayonnaise. Whisk or stir to loosen it slightly. Then add black pepper, red pepper, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil, mixing until fully combined.

Step 6: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to the serving bowl.

Step 7: Add all the other ingredients—pickles, bologna, bell pepper, grated carrots, peas, corn, and the prepared sauce—to the pasta. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8: Refrigerate the salad for 1–2 hours to chill. Serve garnished with tomatoes and olives if desired.

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

• Many people add cooked chicken to make it more substantial. Simply boil and chop the chicken before mixing.

• For extra color, add a small pinch of turmeric while cooking the pasta.

• You can mix yogurt with mayonnaise in the dressing and add spices like thyme, garlic powder, or cumin.

• The longer the salad sits in the fridge, the more flavorful it becomes.

• Cherry tomatoes can be added for extra freshness.

• Make sure the pasta doesn’t stick together.

• Use multiple colors of bell pepper instead of just one.

• You can also add potatoes: boil one potato until partially cooked, dice it, and add to the salad.