For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing. Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. Diced cucumber, celery, or even black olives would be delicious additions. If you don't have dried oregano on hand, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, finely chopped. This pasta salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it.
Home Town Drive-In Pasta Salad
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME55 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS19
Rediscover a cherished memory with this vibrant pasta salad, inspired by a beloved small-town drive-in. A delightful combination of colorful pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, it's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate41 g
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Cholesterol29 mg
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Fiber2 g
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Protein13 g
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Saturated Fat7 g
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Sodium469 mg
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Sugar9 g
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Fat14 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepCook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain completely. (Prep time: ~15 minutes)
02
StepPrepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, hot water, and salt until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth, emulsified dressing. Stir in the white vinegar, vegetable oil, and dried oregano. (Prep time: ~5 minutes)
03
StepCombine Ingredients: Add the diced tomato, red bell pepper, and sweet onion to the dressing. Gently fold in the shredded Cheddar cheese and the cooked rotini pasta. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper to taste. (Prep time: ~5 minutes)
04
StepChill and Serve: For best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. (Chill time: ~30 minutes)
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Creola Ankunding
Jun 11, 2025Easy to follow instructions and a delicious result. I will definitely be making this again!
Brendan Schmeler
May 30, 2025I made this for a potluck, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the tangy dressing and the combination of flavors and textures.
Cecelia Nolan
May 17, 2025I added some diced ham to make it a more substantial meal. It was fantastic!
Helmer Bosco
May 4, 2025This recipe is spot-on! It tastes just like the pasta salad I remember from the drive-in back in my hometown. Thank you for sharing!