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!
