Creamy Fruit and Pasta Delight

Rosa Marina Pasta Salad Recipe

Overview:

Rosa Marina Pasta Salad is a delightful dish perfect for potluck dinners or brunch gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, with a unique twist that includes refreshing fruit flavors mixed with pasta and a creamy Cool Whip dressing. This recipe yields approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for larger gatherings or events where you need to feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta (such as orzo pasta)
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained
1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip (or other whipped topping)

Instructions:

Time	Instructions
Prep: 20 mins	1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Total: 30 mins	2. Prepare Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Set aside.
	3. Drain Pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice. Refrigerate the drained pineapple chunks until needed.
	4. Prepare Juice Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the reserved pineapple juice, beaten eggs, sugar, flour, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
	5. Combine with Pasta: Pour the thickened juice mixture through a strainer into the cooked pasta in the large bowl. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Next Day:	6. Prepare Fruits: The next day, drain the mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries well.
	7. Mix Ingredients: Fold the drained fruits (including the chilled pineapple) and Cool Whip into the pasta mixture. Mix gently until well combined.
	8. Chill: Chill the Rosa Marina Pasta Salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 338.1 per serving
Total Fat: 6.4g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 35.2mg
Sodium: 118.8mg
Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugar: 32.6g
Protein: 7.1g

Tips and Notes:

Make Ahead: This salad benefits from being made the day before serving, allowing the flavors to develop overnight.
Variations: Feel free to customize by adding nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Rosa Marina Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing option at picnics and potlucks. Its creamy texture and fruity flavors make it a hit among both children and adults alike.

Enjoy making this Rosa Marina Pasta Salad for your next gathering, and watch it become a beloved favorite!