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+ servings
Pasta Salad Recipe

Colorful Pasta Salad Recipe: A Picnic Delight You’ll Love

This Pasta Salad Recipe combines colorful vegetables and tri-colored pasta for a vibrant, make-ahead dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad Base
  • 12 oz Tri-Colored Pasta Spirals Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
  • 1 packet Salad Seasoning Mix A homemade seasoning mix can be used.
Dressing
  • 1 cup Italian Style Salad Dressing Olive oil and vinegar can be used as a lighter option.
Crunchy Veggies
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion Finely chopped; sweet onion can be an alternative.
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets Cauliflower can be used for a different texture.
  • 2 cups Multicolored Cherry Tomatoes Halved for sweetness.
  • 1 each Red Bell Pepper Small diced; substitute with green peppers if desired.
  • 1 each Yellow Bell Pepper Small diced; substitute with green peppers if desired.
  • 1 can Black Olives Sliced; Kalamata or green olives can be alternatives.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tri-colored pasta spirals and cook according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse under cold water to cool.
  3. Finely chop the red onion, broccoli florets, and bell peppers. Halve the multicolored cherry tomatoes.
  4. In a small bowl, combine salad seasoning mix with Italian dressing and whisk until blended.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, vegetables, sliced olives, and drizzle with dressing. Toss until thoroughly coated.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 7gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least two hours for the best flavor. Customize your veggies according to preference or seasonality.

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