Colorful Pasta Salad Recipe π
Overview:
This Colorful Pasta Salad recipe is a vibrant medley of tri-color spiral pasta, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this salad is quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With its refreshing combination of ingredients, this salad embodies the essence of spring and summer, bringing a burst of color and freshness to any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) tri-color spiral pasta
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed
Instructions:
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Prepare Pasta: Cook the tri-color spiral pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
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Make Dressing: In the container of an electric blender, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, diced tomatoes, sliced ripe olives, and chopped green onions to the bowl.
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Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Incorporate Cheese: Add the cubed mozzarella cheese to the salad and toss gently to distribute it evenly throughout the salad.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Serve: Once everything is well combined and seasoned to your liking, transfer the Colorful Pasta Salad to a serving dish or bowl. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 525.1
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 16.2mg
- Sodium: 809mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.9g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 13.3g
Recipe Notes:
- Make-Ahead Option: This Colorful Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several hours before serving. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this salad by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting ingredients based on your preferences. You can also adjust the quantity of dressing according to your taste.
- Variation: For a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture before blending.
- Presentation: To enhance the visual appeal of this salad, consider serving it in a large glass bowl or on a platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this Colorful Pasta Salad as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pack it into individual containers for a delicious and nutritious lunch option to enjoy at work or school.
- Bring it to potlucks, barbecues, picnics, or other gatherings to impress friends and family with your culinary skills and vibrant dish!
Conclusion:
With its rainbow of colors, fresh flavors, and satisfying textures, this Colorful Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it for lunch, or simply craving a refreshing side dish, this salad is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and brighten any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of summer goodness!