Easy Vintage Red Wine Vinegar Pasta Salad

This vintage red wine vinegar pasta salad is simple, fuss-free food made quick and easy. This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together in less than 15 minutes. It’s perfect for backyard BBQs, summer potlucks, picnics, or as a simple dinner side dish when you need something quick.

Recipe History

This recipe originated from my grandmother. My mom grew up eating this pasta salad as a kid. When my brothers and I were little my mom started making this side dish for us. It was never written down or put on a recipe card. This pasta salad is so simple that my mom was easily able to recreate it from memory. One day, while mixing together my mayonnaise based macaroni salad, I suddenly unlocked a memory of a vinegar based pasta salad from my childhood. I immediately called my mom to inquire. She gave me a list of ingredients – no ratios, no measurements – and I set out to recreate this recipe for all of you. I hope you love this simple little pasta salad as much as I do.

How To Make Red Wine Vinegar Pasta Salad

1. Bring 4 quarts of water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, add in 12 oz of tri-colored or rainbow rotini pasta. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Drain the pasta and pour into a large serving bowl.

2. Pour olive oil and red wine vinegar over the pasta. Toss well to combine.

3. Add kalamata olives to the pasta, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Mix well.

4. If you’re feeling extra fancy, top your pasta salad with crumbled goat cheese (optional).

Serve chilled.

Little Cooks Corner

Let your tiny sous chef in training practice their fine motor skills, learn life skills, and gain autonomy by measuring, pouring, and mixing in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and olives. Learn more about cooking with littles here.

Feedback

Did you try this simple pasta salad recipe? Who did you share it with? Let me know in the comments below!

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