The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 492 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons white sugar
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup shelled English peas
• 1 cup sliced snow peas
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
• ½ cup diced bell peppers

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.

Step 3

Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 4

Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.

Step 5

Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.