Easy Tri-Color Deli Pasta Salad for Potlucks and Summer Gatherings

Select Deli Salad Recipe – Perfect for Potlucks and Hot Days

This vibrant Select Deli Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that makes an excellent choice for summer potlucks, brunches, or any occasion when you want a delicious meal without turning on the stove. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and bursting with fresh vegetables and creamy cheese, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser. With the delightful combination of pasta, artichokes, and colorful veggies, it’s a salad that will surely stand out at your next gathering. Read on to learn how to prepare this delightful salad that can be made in just under 2 hours and requires minimal cooking time.

Recipe Information:

Cook Time	15 minutes
Prep Time	2 hours
Total Time	2 hours 15 minutes
Description	A light and flavorful salad, perfect for potlucks or hot days when you don’t want to spend much time cooking. Easy to make and full of fresh veggies and cheese.
Recipe Category	Cheese
Keywords	Vegetable, Potluck, Brunch, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Servings	6-8 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories	584.9 kcal
Total Fat	42.9 g
Saturated Fat	11.2 g
Cholesterol	44.3 mg
Sodium	550.1 mg
Carbohydrates	34.9 g
Fiber	3.9 g
Sugars	1.5 g
Protein	16.3 g

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Tri-color spiral pasta	1 package (about 16 oz)
Frozen artichoke hearts	1 bag (about 10 oz)
Cauliflower florets	5 florets
Fresh broccoli florets	1 bunch
Monterey Jack cheese	1 cup, shredded
Green onion	1 bunch, chopped
Olive oil	½ cup
Red wine vinegar	¾ cup

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the tri-color spiral pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
Related Articles
Prepare the Artichokes:
In a separate pan, cook the frozen artichoke hearts according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside to cool.
Combine Vegetables and Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, artichokes, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir gently to mix everything together.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar with your choice of Italian seasoning. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth mixture.
Toss the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place the salad in the refrigerator. Let it chill for several hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips and Variations:

Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to your salad, try including diced chicken breast, turkey, or even pepperoni for an extra burst of flavor.
Cheese Variety: While Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy touch, you can swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix by adding or substituting other veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
Make It Vegan: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with vegan cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter option.
Flavor Boost: For added flavor, try mixing in a spoonful of pesto, or sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Select Deli Salad is perfect on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. Its bright colors and delicious flavors make it a standout dish on any potluck table, sure to be a crowd favorite.

Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe for a quick, refreshing salad that’s both satisfying and full of flavor! Perfect for those hot summer days when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen, and ideal for entertaining guests with minimal effort.