Zesty Pasta Salad Seasoning

Making pasta salad that stands out can feel like a real challenge. Between picking the right mix of ingredients and getting the flavors just right, it’s easy to end up with something that tastes a bit bland or boring – especially when you’re trying to whip up a quick side dish for a summer barbecue or potluck.

That’s where this pasta salad seasoning blend comes in handy: it’s super easy to put together, adds just the right amount of flavor, and works perfectly whether you’re making a classic Italian-style pasta salad or trying something new with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge.

What Kind of Paprika Should I Use?

Smoked paprika is the star of this seasoning blend, but you’ve got options if you want to switch things up. Regular sweet paprika will work just fine if that’s what you have in your spice cabinet, though you’ll miss out on that distinctive smoky flavor that makes this blend special. Hungarian paprika tends to be a bit sweeter and more complex than the basic grocery store variety, while Spanish paprika (pimentón) comes in sweet, bittersweet, and hot varieties. For this recipe, I’d stick with the smoked version – it adds a wonderful depth that really makes the seasoning blend pop without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Options for Substitutions

This seasoning blend is pretty flexible and you can make some easy swaps if needed:

• Sesame seeds: If you’re out of sesame seeds, you can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (ground slightly). They’ll add a similar nutty crunch to your seasoning mix.
• Smoked paprika: Regular paprika works fine here, though you’ll miss some of that smoky flavor. You could add 1/4 teaspoon of cumin to make up for the smokiness.
• Poppy seeds: White or blue poppy seeds work just as well as black ones. If you need to skip them altogether, you can add extra sesame seeds instead.
• Celery seeds: If you don’t have celery seeds, try using dried dill or caraway seeds – they’ll give a similar herby punch to your mix.
• Parmesan cheese: Romano or Pecorino cheese make great substitutes. For a dairy-free version, try nutritional yeast – use about 3/4 cup since it’s more potent than parmesan.
• Cayenne powder: You can swap this with red pepper flakes (use 1/2 teaspoon) or regular chili powder. If you want less heat, just reduce the amount or skip it.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making pasta salad seasoning is not toasting the sesame seeds first – a quick 3-5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown will release their natural oils and create a much richer flavor profile. Another common error is mixing the parmesan cheese directly into the spice blend for storage – instead, store the cheese separately and add it fresh when you’re ready to use the seasoning, as this prevents clumping and keeps the cheese from going stale. When measuring the salt and cayenne, be precise with your measurements – too much salt can overpower the other flavors, while too much cayenne can make your pasta salad uncomfortably spicy. For the best results, store your seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, and give it a good shake before each use to ensure all the spices are well combined.

What to Serve With Pasta Salad Seasoning?

This flavorful seasoning mix is perfect for creating amazing pasta salads that pair well with all sorts of summer dishes! I love serving pasta salad alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs at backyard barbecues – the smoky paprika in the seasoning really complements anything coming off the grill. For a complete meal, try adding some protein directly to your pasta salad like diced salami, chickpeas, or cubed mozzarella cheese. You can also serve your seasoned pasta salad next to simple sandwiches or wraps for an easy lunch combo that works great for picnics or packed lunches.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep your pasta salad seasoning mix in an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in a cool, dry place like your pantry or spice cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat. Without the parmesan cheese, this seasoning blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months.

Cheese Storage: If you’re mixing in the parmesan cheese, store the blend in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 2-3 weeks. The cheese can make the seasoning clump a bit, so give it a good shake or stir before each use.

Tips: For the longest shelf life, you might want to keep the seasoning mix and parmesan separate until you’re ready to use them. This way, you can store the spice blend in your pantry and the cheese in the fridge, combining them only when needed for your pasta salad.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5-10 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 80-90 g
• Fat: 150-160 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika (smoked variety)
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds (black)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons celery seeds
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne chili powder
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Seasoning

Begin by gathering all the ingredients you wish to use for your homemade pasta salad seasoning.

Combine them in a bowl and mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Step 2: Store the Seasoning

Transfer the mixed seasoning into an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness.

This seasoning will stay fresh for up to 4 months, allowing you to conveniently season pasta salads whenever needed.

Step 3: Use the Seasoning

When you’re ready to make a pasta salad, use 3 tablespoons of this homemade seasoning per pound of cooked pasta.

Combine it with your favorite Italian dressing to taste.

Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning you use based on your personal preference for flavor intensity.

Enjoy your flavorful pasta salad!