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Rainbow Delight Pasta Salad 🌈✨

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🌞 Summer Picnic Pasta Salad πŸ₯—

Overview:

This delightful Summer Picnic Pasta Salad is a vibrant explosion of colors and flavors, perfect for those warm outdoor gatherings or potluck events. Featuring a harmonious blend of tri-colored pasta, crisp broccoli, tender asparagus, savory kalamata olives, and a duo of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this salad promises a delightful journey for your taste buds. What sets this recipe apart is its light dressing, boasting a tangy kick from yellow mustard and white vinegar, balanced with just a hint of sweetness from sugar. Best of all, it’s a breeze to make, with minimal prep time and maximum flavor satisfaction. So gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful dish, and get ready to impress at your next summer gathering!

πŸ•’ Cooking Times:

Preparation Time Cooking Time Total Time
10 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes

πŸ₯˜ Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of tri-colored pasta
  • 1 head of broccoli
  • 1 bunch of asparagus
  • 1/4 cup of pitted kalamata olives
  • 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup of yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup of white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of canola oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

πŸ“ Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables:

    • Start by blanching the broccoli and asparagus in a pot of boiling salted water for about 2 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
    • Quickly remove them from the boiling water and plunge them into an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
    • Once cooled, drain them well and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta:

    • In a separate pot, cook the tri-colored pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection.
    • Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
    • Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
  3. Prepare the Dressing:

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow mustard, white vinegar, mayonnaise, and sugar.
    • Slowly whisk in the canola oil until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
    • Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for your preferences.
  4. Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large serving bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, asparagus spears, kalamata olives, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
    • Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  5. Dress the Salad:

    • Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables.
    • Gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
  6. Chill and Serve:

    • Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
    • This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a refreshing, chilled salad.
    • When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to recombine the flavors.
    • Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs, if desired, and enjoy this delightful Summer Picnic Pasta Salad with your favorite main dishes or simply on its own!

πŸ₯ͺ Serving Suggestions:

  • This Summer Picnic Pasta Salad makes for a perfect standalone meal thanks to its hearty ingredients and satisfying flavors.
  • Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete and nutritious meal.
  • Serve alongside a selection of fresh bread or rolls to soak up any extra dressing.
  • Pack it up for picnics, potlucks, or BBQs, and watch it disappear as everyone goes back for seconds!

🌿 Customization Tips:

  • Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables! Try adding sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or diced zucchini for an extra burst of freshness.
  • For a protein boost, toss in some cooked and cubed chicken breast or chickpeas.
  • Swap out the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for feta cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less sugar to suit your taste preferences.

πŸ₯— Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 343.3
  • Total Fat: 16.2g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Cholesterol: 3.1mg
  • Sodium: 82.4mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43.7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2.1g
    • Sugar: 14.2g
  • Protein: 6.3g

πŸ“– Recipe Notes:

  • To make this salad ahead of time, prepare all the components and store them separately. Toss everything together with the dressing just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
  • This Summer Picnic Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for that vibrant crunch and flavor!
  • Don’t limit yourself to just summer gatheringsβ€”this versatile salad is perfect for any time of the year. Whether it’s a quick weekday lunch or a cozy dinner side dish, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
  • Experiment with different pasta shapes for a fun twist! Fusilli, penne, or even bowtie pasta all work beautifully in this recipe, adding a playful element to the dish.

So there you have itβ€”your go-to recipe for a sensational Summer Picnic Pasta Salad that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any occasion! 🌞πŸ₯—βœ¨

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