How to Make Home Town Drive-In Pasta Salad - A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to the ultimate recipe for a classic pasta salad that will transport you back to the nostalgia of a hometown drive-in. This homemade pasta salad is a medley of flavors and textures that will satisfy any craving for a wholesome and comforting dish. Whether you're preparing for a family cookout, a potluck with friends, or simply looking for a delicious side dish to accompany a weeknight meal, this pasta salad is the perfect choice.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (12 ounce) package tri-color rotini pasta
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 pinch ground black pepper to taste (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Additional Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  • Whisk sugar, salt, and hot water in a large salad bowl until sugar has dissolved. Stir vinegar, vegetable oil, and oregano into sugar mixture to make a dressing. Mix tomato, red bell pepper, and onion in the dressing. Gently fold rotini into dressing and vegetables, mix in Cheddar cheese, and season with black pepper.
  • Nutrition

    338 cal.

    • Total Fat: 14g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Cholesterol: 29mg
    • Sodium: 469mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 41g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 9g
    • Protein: 13g
    • Vitamin C: 23mg
    • Calcium: 225mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 226mg