Rainbow Delight Pasta Salad 🌈✨

🌞 Summer Picnic Pasta Salad 🥗

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!

🕒 Cooking Times:

🥘 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

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

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   • 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!

🥪 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.

🥗 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

📖 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 gatherings—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 it—your go-to recipe for a sensational Summer Picnic Pasta Salad that’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser at any occasion! 🌞🥗✨