Summer Pizza Garlic Pasta Salad

María Fernanda López
Jun 23
6 min read

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Summer Garlic Pasta Salad with Sonoma Cheese: A Delicious and Refreshing Favorite

Looking for an easy, flavorful summer dish? This Garlic Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and rich cheese. With a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and crispy bacon, this recipe is both satisfying and light — ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a quick weeknight dinner. The star of this dish is Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack, a high-quality cheese rooted in California’s rich dairy heritage, which adds a savory and garlicky kick to the salad. Its distinct flavor elevates the dish, making every bite truly memorable. Discover more about Sonoma Cheese here.

This Garlic Pasta Salad offers a fresh twist on traditional pasta salads, thanks to the rich flavor of Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack. Hailing from California’s Sonoma County, this cheese adds a sophisticated depth of garlicky goodness that melts seamlessly into the creamy dressing and complements the crunchy vegetables and savory bacon.

Why You Should Make This Recipe?

What makes this pasta salad stand out is the use of Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack, which brings a gourmet touch to a simple summer meal. The cheese’s rich, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and smoky bacon, creating a layered taste experience. Additionally, the creamy dressing is crafted with Greek yogurt and pepperoncini juice, giving the salad a tangy and spicy profile that’s unlike typical pasta salads.

Refreshing and Light: Perfect for hot weather, offering a cooling, satisfying meal without feeling heavy.
Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile: Suitable for picnics, barbecues, or even as a make-ahead dish for convenience.
Uses High-Quality Ingredients: Featuring Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack, ensuring a gourmet flavor that impresses.
Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Your guests will remember your lunch or dinner as the best they've ever attended, making this recipe as dinner or lunch is must-have for any occasion!

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

Pasta: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack: Rich in protein and calcium, supporting bone and muscle health.
Greek Yogurt: A great source of probiotics, high in protein, and low in fat.
Cherry Tomatoes & Bell Peppers: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, boosting immunity.
Bacon & Pepperoni: Though indulgent, add flavor and protein; opt for leaner cuts if desired.
Peas & Red Onion: Provide essential vitamins, fiber, and diuretic benefits.
Spices & Seasonings: Offer anti-inflammatory properties and enhance flavor without adding calories.

As a nutritionist I know that good eating should be sustainable and convenient without sacrificing any taste. You can also pair this with your favorite vegetables; steamed, roasted or fresh!

More savory recipes you like this:

Overall, these are the ingredients needed for my Summer Pizza Garlic Pasta Salad:

Pasta
Sea salt
Water
Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack (cubed)
Cooked bacon slices
Pepperoni
Cherry tomatoes
Peas
Red onion
Bell pepper
Greek yogurt
Pepperoncini juice
Ground mustard
Pizza seasoning
Italian seasoning
Parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes

This was great as a dinner or lunch, this healthy recipe is a keeper so save for later! Remember to keep ingredients wholesome and pick wisely!

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Perfect Pairings for Your Pasta Salad!

With Grilled Meats: Complements burgers, chicken, or seafood for a complete summer feast.
As a Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or fresh salads.
With White or Light Red Wines: Refreshing whites like Sauvignon Blanc or light reds like Pinot Noir enhance the flavors.
For a Picnic or Outdoor Meal: Served chilled alongside fresh fruit and crusty bread.
Topped with Extra Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or oregano can add brightness and freshness.

The versatility of these Summer Pizza Garlic Pasta Salad allows you to craft a flavor that suits your taste perfectly!

Tips to Make This Recipe Even Better

Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate chopped basil, parsley, or dill for extra freshness.
Use Whole Grain Pasta: Boost fiber content and add depth to the flavor.
Balance the Spices: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit bacon and pepperoni, or substitute with grilled vegetables or tofu.
Prepare in Advance: Mix and refrigerate the salad for an hour before serving to let flavors meld.

The full instructions and ingredient list is listed below. This is just a super easy and flavorful recipe for you to enjoy and your body will love; source of fiber, nutrients and flavor!

More Creative Variations!

Vegan Version: Swap Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack with a dairy-free cheese alternative and omit bacon, adding roasted zucchini or eggplant.
Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or a spicy Italian sausage for an extra layer of heat.
Cheese Variety: Mix Sonoma Cheese with crumbled feta or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Protein-Packed: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn it into a substantial main course.

Overall this recipe is:

Comforting
High in Protein
A Crowd Pleaser
Quick and Easy
Meal Prep Friendly
Delicious!

Conclusion.

This Summer Garlic Pasta Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The inclusion of Sonoma Cheese in Garlic Jack elevates this dish with its distinctive, high-quality taste—a true reflection of California’s rich dairy tradition. Whether served at a casual gathering or a quick family dinner, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Not only is this recipe remarkably easy to prepare, but it also provides a fresh, vibrant option to enjoy during the warmer months. With its balanced combination of creamy, tangy, and savory elements, it’s sure to become a staple in your summer menu rotation. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and bold flavors that make this Garlic Pasta Salad an unforgettable culinary experience.

Share Your Experience!

We’d love to hear how your version of Summer Pizza Garlic Pasta Salad turns out! Cooking is all about experimentation, and each household adds its own unique twist to recipes. Share your thoughts, variations, or pictures of your dish in the comments below. Are you considering new serving ideas or flavor enhancements?

Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for an impressive and tasty dish to serve!

Simply Delish Sugar Free Instant Pudding

Not boring or complicated! This are a great lunch for kids and grown ups. Pro tip: You can prepare this recipe for meal prep and have it ready for the rest of the week, reheat 1 minute on your microwave and pair with vegetables.

This is a great recipe that your family or friends will love! Easy to prepare and super fresh, great for lunch and even dinner. This recipe is made to enjoy in the most effortless and most delicious way ever, I mean... only simple ingredients!

Sharing is caring!

Remember that sharing is caring so please spread the love by saving, sharing or bookmarking this recipe for later to cook with your loved ones on one of your amazing dinner parties or friend gatherings!

With love,

María

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