Colorful Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories per Serving: 289.9
Recipe Category: Crab
Keywords: Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Summer, < 30 Mins
This vibrant and refreshing Colorful Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to bring to summer gatherings, picnics, or any event where you want to impress with a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Packed with colorful vegetables, flavorful crab, and a creamy dressing, this salad can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an easy and healthy choice for busy days or last-minute meals.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tri-color spiral pasta | 1 package |
| Crab meat (fresh or imitation) | 1 cup |
| Celery | 1/3 cup, diced |
| Green pepper | 1/3 cup, diced |
| Onion | 1/3 cup, diced |
| Light mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Dill weed | 1/2 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 289.9 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.6 mg |
| Sodium | 602.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 2.2 g |
| Protein | 11.7 g |
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the tri-color spiral pasta according to the directions provided on the package. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help the pasta retain its vibrant color and prevent it from becoming too soft.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, dice the celery, green pepper, and onion into small, bite-sized pieces. These vegetables will add a nice crunch and color to the salad.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crab meat (whether fresh or imitation), celery, green pepper, and onion. Toss them together gently, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, salad dressing, and dill weed until well-combined. This creamy dressing is the key to bringing all the flavors of the salad together, giving it a tangy yet fresh taste.
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Toss and Coat: Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop, making the salad even tastier.
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Serve and Enjoy: After the chilling time, your colorful pasta salad is ready to serve! The combination of pasta, veggies, and crab makes this a satisfying and nutritious dish that pairs well with any summer meal.
This Colorful Pasta Salad is a low-cholesterol, healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The tri-color pasta makes it visually striking, while the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. With the added bonus of being quick to prepare and refreshing on a hot day, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
