This easy 5 ingredient pasta salad has been a hit in our family for years! This bright and colorful salad boasts an unexpected refreshing sweet flavor. Best of all, this pasta salad is made using just 5 ingredients making it so easy to put together.
I first had this easy 5 ingredient pasta salad years ago at an end of the year baseball team potluck party. I loved it so much I was on a mission to tracked down the family who brought it so I could get the recipe! It has been a summer BBQ staple ever since. It takes very little work to put together and is such a crowd pleaser! I especially love how fun and festive it looks making it a great addition to any brunch, BBQ, picnic or pot luck gathering.
I’ve been busy making recipes using some of the herbs from my two-tiered herb planter. Tis the season! There is just something so summer-y about heading outside with some scissors to clip the herbs I need for a recipe.
Included in my herb planter this year is mint. I love the bright green leaves and the refreshing scent of mint. I clipped some of the stems, ran them under water then wrapped them in a damp paper towel and kept them on my kitchen counter. This kept them nice and fresh before adding them to the pasta salad the following day. For more information on storing fresh cut mint visit here.
Fontina, Mint and Cantaloupe Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups packaged dried large bow tie pasta
- 2 cups cantaloupe chunks
- 1 cup fontina cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Poppy seed dressing I use Brianna's
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to directions. Drain, then rinse with cold water and drain again.
- In a large bowl toss together pasta, cantaloupe and cheese. Pour dressing over pasta mixture tossing gently to coat. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to serve if dry, toss in more dressing and add the chopped mint. (I find the mint turns brown if mixed with the salad before chilling it)
Notes
- Be sure the pasta has cooled before adding the cheese or the cheese will melt.
- I find it best to add the mint just before serving otherwise the mint turns dark in the refrigerator.
- I keep some poppy seed dressing aside and often add more when getting ready to serve. The pasta tends to soak up the dressing leaving the salad a bit dry.
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I hope you enjoy this easy 5 ingredient pasta salad as much as we do! While out in your herb garden grab some basil and be sure to give my Roasted Zucchini with Pesto and Parmesan recipe a try!
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