Creamy Veggie & Pasta Salad π₯
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serving: 8
Description
Indulge in the goodness of a very low-fat, healthy salad that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors! This Creamy Veggie & Pasta Salad is a delightful departure from ordinary salads, offering a creamy texture combined with the freshness of vegetables.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 0.5 | Radiatore pasta |
| 2 | Broccoli florets |
| 1 | Celery stalk, diced |
| 2 | Green onions, chopped |
| 1/4 | Cucumber, diced |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 cup | Mayonnaise |
| 1 cup | Sour cream (use nonfat for a healthier option) |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tsp | Prepared mustard |
| 1/2 tsp | Paprika |
| To taste | Salt |
| 8 | Cherry tomatoes, halved |
Instructions
-
Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the radiatore pasta according to the package instructions. During the last 4 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli with diced celery, chopped green onions, diced cucumber, and freshly chopped parsley. Toss them gently until evenly distributed.
-
Make Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, prepare the creamy dressing by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, prepared mustard, paprika, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
-
Combine Dressing with Pasta: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the dressing coats the salad ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
-
Chill: Cover the salad bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the salad.
-
Final Touch: Just before serving, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the chilled salad. Gently toss them with the salad mixture to incorporate. This adds a refreshing burst of flavor and color to the dish.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 401
- Fat Content: 7.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 14.9mg
- Sodium Content: 369.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 70.3g
- Fiber Content: 3.9g
- Sugar Content: 4.9g
- Protein Content: 13.7g
Tips for Serving
- This Creamy Veggie & Pasta Salad makes for a satisfying standalone meal or a delightful side dish for any occasion.
- Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make it even more wholesome and filling.
Enjoy this creamy, nutritious salad as a refreshing addition to your meal repertoire! π
