Creamy Primavera Mostaccioli Salad

Mostaccioli Pasta Primavera Salad 🥗

Overview:

This Mostaccioli Pasta Primavera Salad is a delightful blend of tender mostaccioli pasta, vibrant asparagus spears, crisp zucchini, and flavorful red onion, all tossed in a creamy mayo dressing infused with Italian flavors. It’s an easy, inexpensive dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Serving: Varies

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious pasta salad:

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.

2. Add the Asparagus:

   • During the last 2 minutes of cooking the pasta, add the asparagus spears to the pot.
   • Allow them to cook until they’re tender-crisp.

3. Drain and Rinse:

   • Drain the pasta and asparagus, then rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
   • Ensure they’re well-drained before proceeding.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
   • Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more vinegar or pepper if desired.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta and asparagus with the sliced zucchini, thinly sliced red onion, and torn fresh basil leaves.

6. Toss with Dressing:

   • Pour about 1/2 cup of the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
   • Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
   • Add more dressing as needed, depending on your preference for creaminess.

7. Chill:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly.
   • This step is crucial for the best taste and texture.

8. Serve:

   • Just before serving, give the salad a final toss with the remaining dressing.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 318.8
• Fat Content: 5.5g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 0.9g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 170.4mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 56.9g
  • Fiber Content: 4.7g
  • Sugar Content: 7g
• Protein Content: 11.1g

Tips:

• Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives.
• For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
• This salad tastes even better when made ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
• Serve this pasta salad as a side dish at your next picnic, potluck, or barbecue for a refreshing and satisfying addition to any menu.