Introducing the delectable Calico Salad recipe, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress with your culinary prowess! This vibrant salad bursts with flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any menu. With just 20 minutes of total preparation time, including a brief 15 minutes of cooking and 5 minutes of prep, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests and the delicious food you’ve prepared.
๐ฅ Calico Salad
Description: This Calico Salad recipe from lovewithrecipes.com is a surefire crowd-pleaser that combines the freshness of ripe olives, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers with the heartiness of kidney beans and pasta, all tossed in a flavorful dressing.
Keywords: Camping, Brunch, < 30 Mins, Refrigerator, Stove Top
Ingredients:
- 8 cups pasta
- 1 cup ripe olives
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 bell pepper
- 1/2 cup dressing of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 151.8
- Fat Content: 2.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 0.2mg
- Sodium Content: 415.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 26.8g
- Fiber Content: 3.5g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 5.7g
Yield: Approximately 10 cups
Instructions:
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Cook and Drain Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the ripe olives, dice the tomatoes, mince the garlic, chop the onion, and dice the bell pepper. Rinse and drain the kidney beans.
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Saute the Ingredients: In a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil if using, then add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, kidney beans, and diced bell pepper. Saute the ingredients for about five minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cooked and drained pasta with the sauteed vegetables and kidney beans. Add the sliced ripe olives and toss everything together until well mixed.
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Add Dressing: Pour your favorite dressing over the salad mixture. You can use store-bought dressing or make your own vinaigrette or creamy dressing according to your preference. Toss the salad again to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
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Chill and Serve: Once the salad is well coated with dressing, cover the bowl with the lid and refrigerate the Calico Salad for several hours or until chilled. This step allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
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Serve and Enjoy: When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing, then transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. Serve chilled and watch as your guests delight in every flavorful bite of this colorful Calico Salad!
With its enticing blend of flavors and textures, this Calico Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to elegant dinners. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with this quick and easy recipe that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
