Creamy Gorgonzola Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables

Pasta Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Description: Delight in the creamy and tangy goodness of this Pasta Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing. Ideal for gatherings or a simple yet sophisticated side dish, this recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, zesty dressing and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables. A perfect addition to your meal repertoire from lovewithrecipes.com.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of broccoli florets
• 1 cup of sliced carrots
• 1 cup of diced red onion
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup of buttermilk
• 3/4 cup of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 3/4 pound of fusilli pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup of yellow squash, sliced

Instructions:

1. Cook the Fusilli Pasta:
   Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly and set aside.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the boiling water. Cook for 1-2 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Then, add the sliced yellow squash and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Drain the vegetables and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

3. Prepare the Red Onion:
   Rinse the diced red onion under cold water and drain well. This step helps to reduce the sharpness of the onion, making it a more mellow addition to the salad.

4. Make the Gorgonzola Dressing:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and buttermilk, stirring until smooth. Gently fold in the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese until evenly distributed.

5. Combine the Ingredients:
   To the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked fusilli pasta, the blanched vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and yellow squash), and the diced red onion. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that everything is well-coated with the creamy Gorgonzola dressing.

6. Chill and Serve:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for several hours. Stir occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing. Once chilled and well-combined, the salad is ready to serve.

This Pasta Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a refreshing side or a hearty standalone meal. The creamy Gorgonzola dressing adds a touch of sophistication to the fresh vegetables and tender pasta, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy the blend of textures and flavors in every bite!