Mostaccioli Pasta Salad Recipe ๐ฅ
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving: Makes approximately 6 servings
Description:
This Mostaccioli Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and sour flavors, making it the perfect addition to any potluck or picnic spread. What makes it even more enticing is its absence of mayonnaise, making it a healthier option. Quick and easy to prepare, it has become a household favorite, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends too! So simple to make, yet incredibly delicious โ ENJOY! ๐
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 500
- Fat Content: 14.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 50.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 83.7g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 40g
- Protein Content: 8g
Ingredients:
- 1 box mostaccioli pasta
- 6 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons prepared yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Cook the Pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions. For a fun twist, add a few drops of food coloring to the pasta cooking water to give your salad a pop of color! Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. |
| 2. | Prepare the Dressing: In a small saucepan, mix together the cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, and pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil. This will help dissolve the sugar and blend the flavors together beautifully. |
| 3. | Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta with the chopped onion and diced cucumber. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, and drizzle with olive oil. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing. |
| 4. | Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste! Once chilled, serve your Mostaccioli Pasta Salad and watch it disappear in no time! |
Recipe Notes:
- For added flavor and texture, you can toss in some other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or black olives.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar according to your taste preferences. You can also use a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.
- This pasta salad is best served cold, making it ideal for make-ahead meal prep or serving at outdoor gatherings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again.
This Mostaccioli Pasta Salad is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Perfect for those busy days when you need a quick and tasty dish to serve to your family and friends. Enjoy this delightful salad at your next gathering and watch it become an instant crowd-pleaser! ๐
