Blueberry Pasta Salad

Sometimes recipe inspiration comes from the most random places. I’ve been reading the book Eat Up, Bear! on a daily basis with my son. The premise of this story is that if people properly store their food when camping and hiking, bears will eat “good bear food” and not people food. As I was thinking about ingredients to incorporate into this blueberry pasta salad recipe, the story (which I’ve basically memorized at this point) made me wonder what a bear might want in a tasty salad. Sweet berries, crunchy nuts and savory salmon all came to mind. Maybe the bears are on to something!

This flavorful, summery cold pasta salad has a sweet, bright and zesty blueberry vinaigrette that is poured over short-cut pasta and combined with chopped cucumber, red onion and yellow pepper for a bit of crunch and a hint of spice. Tangy feta cheese, smoked salmon, crunchy sliced almonds, fresh herbs and whole blueberries round out the ingredients in this sweet and savory potluck side dish.

Blueberry Pasta Salad Ingredients

Vinaigrette:

• Champagne vinegar: Champagne vinegar has a bright and tangy flavor but a milder bite than red or white wine vinegar. It can be harder to find this type of vinegar in grocery stores, so if you’re having trouble sourcing it, the fruit-forward and mild flavor of apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup is used to sweeten the vinaigrette. For the best and richest flavor, use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup. Honey would also be a great (bear-approved!) option.
• Lemon juice and zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness to the vinaigrette. Use a Microplane to zest the lemon before juicing it.
• Olive oil: Flavorful extra virgin olive oil vs. olive oil is better to use in vinaigrettes and other homemade salad dressing recipes like this one.
• Blueberries: The sweet and tart flavor of blueberries shines in this sweet and savory vinaigrette. The blueberries are mashed prior to mixing all the ingredients together to avoid overblending the blueberries, which can result in a bitter flavor.
• Seasonings: The vinaigrette is seasoned simply with salt and pepper.

Pasta salad:

• Pasta: Use a short-cut pasta, such as farfalle, rotini or shells, for this recipe. The nooks and crannies in these pasta shapes hold on to the vinaigrette and other salad ingredients.
• Vegetables: Chopped cucumber, red onion and yellow pepper add crunch, color and plenty of fresh vegetable flavor to the blueberry pasta salad.
• Feta: Crumbled feta adds a bright and tangy flavor to the pasta salad and complements its sweet flavors. Cotija, queso fresco or goat cheese would also be tasty options.
• Salmon: The recipe call for 8 ounces of flaked smoked salmon fillets.
• Nuts: Sliced almonds add crunch to the salad. You can also choose another nut, such as chopped pecans, walnuts or pistachios. For added flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the salad.
• Fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs to salad gives it a punch of aromatic flavor. This recipe calls for fresh basil and dill, but freshly chopped tarragon or lemon balm would also be delicious additions.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the pasta in cold water and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients

Add the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, yellow bell pepper and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 3: Make the blueberry vinaigrette

Add 1 cup blueberries to a high-powered blender or bowl if you plan to use an immersion blender. Add the champagne vinegar, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Blend to combine all the ingredients.

Editor’s Tip: Allow the vinaigrette to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. Vigorously shake to reincorporate all the ingredients.

Step 4: Toss the vinaigrette with the salad

Pour about 1 cup of the blueberry vinaigrette over the pasta mixture.

Toss to coat. Add more dressing if desired.

Gently mix in the dill, basil, smoked salmon and the remaining blueberries.

Refrigerate until ready to serve, stirring in any reserved vinaigrette and the sliced almonds just before serving.

Blueberry Pasta Salad Variations

• Swap the berries: You can easily switch up the flavor profile of the vinaigrette by using a different berry, such as strawberries or raspberries. Over the course of the summer, you can make this vinaigrette with whichever berries are the freshest as they come into season.
• Switch up the protein: If smoked salmon isn’t your thing, try cubed grilled chicken or a cured meat such as pepperoni, salami or summer sausage. For a vegetarian blueberry pasta salad, use a protein-rich bean such as garbanzo or cannellini beans.
• Pile on the fruits and veggies: Add more color and flavor by adding chopped red or orange bell peppers, diced avocado or fresh spinach. For more fresh fruit flavor, add more berries, such as sliced strawberries or blackberries. Chopped fresh peach or kiwi would also complement the savory and tangy flavors in this blueberry pasta salad.

How to Store Blueberry Pasta Salad

Leftover pasta salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you are serving the pasta salad at a potluck or picnic, don’t let it sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the salad has been left out for more than two hours, your best bet is to discard any leftovers for food safety reasons.

How long does blueberry pasta salad last?

Pasta salad lasts for up to five days when stored properly in the fridge. Because the salad will soak up the vinaigrette as it sits, plan to refresh the salad with more vinaigrette before serving any leftovers.

Can you make blueberry pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! As with most pasta salad recipes, this one tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. However, plan to make it only a few hours in advance, rather than a few days in advance. If you do make this blueberry pasta salad in advance, plan to add the fresh herbs just before serving. Also, be sure to reserve some of the vinaigrette and gently stir it in just before serving as well.

Blueberry Pasta Salad Tips

What’s the best way to prepare pasta for pasta salad?

There are a few tips you can follow to make perfect pasta for pasta salad. For the most flavorful pasta, salt the pasta water. Cook it to just past al dente, as the pasta will firm up in the fridge. Rinsing cooked pasta is typically a no-no, but when making a pasta salad, you do want to rinse the cooked pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and ensure the noodles don’t get mushy.

What can you serve with blueberry pasta salad?

This blueberry pasta salad is quite versatile. You could even serve it on its own as an entree. Because it makes a boatload of servings, it’s a great summer recipe for a picnic or potluck. Serve it alongside other summer recipes like fried chicken, hamburgers or grilled steak.