My Pasta Salad: A Vibrant and Refreshing Side Dish
Prepare to delight your taste buds with a fresh and colorful pasta salad thatโs as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat. Packed with an array of vibrant vegetables, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a side for your favorite grilled meats. You can easily customize it with additional ingredients like cooked chicken or ham, making it a versatile option for any occasion. To ensure that the flavors meld beautifully, it is highly recommended to prepare this salad a day in advance.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small shell pasta | 1 ยฝ cups |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Cauliflower florets | 2 cups |
| Fresh mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 cup, quartered |
| Sliced ripe olives | 1 cup |
| Green onion | ยฝ cup, sliced |
| Avocado | 2/3 cup, diced |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup, diced |
| Italian dressing | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Content | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 127 |
| Total Fat | 6.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 274.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2.4 g |
| Protein | 3.4 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the small shell pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, ensuring it does not stick together.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, sliced mushrooms, quartered artichoke hearts, sliced olives, and sliced green onions. Gently fold these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle Italian dressing over the mixed salad ingredients, adjusting the quantity according to your taste preferences. Gently toss everything to coat the vegetables and pasta evenly with the dressing.
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Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
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Final Touches: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado and diced tomatoes, taking care not to mash the avocado. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more dressing if desired.
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Serve: Present this vibrant and refreshing pasta salad chilled, either as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite grilled meats. Enjoy the delightful medley of textures and flavors that make this salad a true summer favorite.
Serving Suggestions
My Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. Feel free to mix in your choice of protein such as grilled chicken, diced ham, or even shrimp to transform it into a hearty main dish. For an extra kick, consider adding diced bell peppers or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
With its easy preparation and delightful blend of flavors, My Pasta Salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your collection, making every meal a little brighter and more flavorful. Donโt forget to prepare it a day ahead to let the flavors shine through!
