๐ถ๏ธ๐ฅ Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad ๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ
Description: While browsing for a pasta salad recipe, I stumbled upon Inez Willenborg’s Homestyle Macaroni Salad. Inspired by her creation, I decided to put my own twist on it, resulting in this flavor-packed winner that has become a favorite in our household. Thank you, Inez, for the inspiration!
Recipe Category: Southwestern U.S.
Keywords: Healthy, Potluck, Less than 30 Minutes, Refrigerator, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 306.5
- Fat Content: 8.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 134.7mg
- Sodium Content: 586.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 46.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.6g
- Sugar Content: 4.5g
- Protein Content: 12g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 oz | Bow Tie Pasta |
| 2 stalks | Celery |
| 1/2 cup | Salsa |
| 1/4 cup | Scallions |
| 2 tbsp | Buttermilk |
| 1/4 cup | Miracle Whip |
| 1/4 tsp | Garlic Powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Cayenne Pepper |
| 1/8 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Fresh Ground Black Pepper |
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta until tender. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes, but refer to the package instructions for precise timing.
-
Drain and Rinse:
- Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water. Rinsing will stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the salsa, chopped celery, sliced scallions, buttermilk, Miracle Whip, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Bring It All Together:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the spicy southwestern goodness.
-
Chill Before Serving:
- For the flavors to fully develop and mingle, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour before serving. This step is crucial for achieving maximum flavor and deliciousness!
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, give the pasta salad a final stir, then portion it out onto plates or into bowls. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a satisfying meal or side dish at your next gathering or family dinner. ๐ฝ๏ธ
This Spicy Southwest Pasta Salad is not only bursting with vibrant flavors but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a potluck, hosting a barbecue, or simply craving a flavorful pasta salad, this recipe is sure to impress!
