A festive red, white, and blue pasta salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, blueberries, and herbs, served in a large bowl on a patriotic-themed 4th of July picnic table.

Red, White & Blue Pasta Salad

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A Patriotic Twist on a Classic Picnic Favorite

Want to bring something bold, beautiful, and surprisingly delicious to your 4th of July table? This Red, White & Blue Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and guaranteed to turn heads. With colorful ingredients and a zesty dressing, this salad combines all the festive flair of the holiday with the crowd-pleasing comfort of a classic pasta dish.

Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light vegetarian main, this patriotic salad is summer in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🇺🇸 Festive colors – Made with natural red, white, and blue ingredients

  • 🧺 Perfect for potlucks – Feeds a crowd and holds up well outdoors

  • 🥗 Fresh & flavorful – Crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and hearty pasta

  • ⏱️ Quick to prep – Just cook, toss, and chill

  • 🌱 Vegetarian-friendly – Easy to adapt for different diets

Ingredients

You can mix and match ingredients, but here’s a flavorful base recipe:

Pasta & Veggies:

  • 12 oz tri-color rotini or regular pasta

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (red)

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced (red)

  • 1 cup crumbled feta or mozzarella pearls (white)

  • 1/2 cup cauliflower florets or chopped jicama (white)

  • 1/2 cup blueberries or purple cabbage (blue)

  • 1/4 cup black olives (optional, for more contrast)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey for a touch of sweetness

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey in a small bowl or jar.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, peppers, feta, cauliflower, blueberries, and olives. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.

4. Chill & Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and a few extra berries or cheese crumbles for flair.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • 🧄 Add crunch: Toss in sunflower seeds or sliced almonds

  • 🍗 Add protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or salami slices

  • 🧀 Switch cheese: Try goat cheese, cotija, or mini mozzarella balls

  • 🍋 Zest it up: Add lemon zest or a splash of balsamic glaze before serving

  • 🌾 Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta variety

Make-Ahead & Storage

  • Make ahead: Great for prepping 1 day before — flavors improve overnight.

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Serving tip: Toss again before serving; you may want to add a splash of oil or vinegar to freshen it up.

Perfect Pairings

Pair this Red, White & Blue Pasta Salad with:

  • 🍔 Burgers, hot dogs, or BBQ chicken

  • 🥤 4th of July Sangria or lemonade

  • 🌽 Grilled corn on the cob

  • 🍓 Sparkler cupcakes or patriotic pretzel rods

Final Thoughts

Fresh, festive, and full of flavor, this Red, White & Blue Pasta Salad brings the spirit of summer to your table. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that looks as good as it tastes — perfect for patriotic celebrations, family cookouts, or a colorful twist on a weekday lunch.

So grab a big bowl, gather your colors, and serve up something deliciously American this Independence Day!

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