Spiral Pasta Salad 🍝
Overview:
Spiral Pasta Salad is a delightful medley of flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a tangy twist in their pasta dishes. Developed by a culinary duo with a penchant for tartness, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds with its refreshing combination of spiral-shaped pasta, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch or a summer picnic, this salad is sure to become a crowd favorite. With a prep time that includes allowing the flavors to meld, it’s a convenient dish that’s as convenient as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Spiral shaped pasta | 3-4 cups |
| Green bell pepper | 1/2 |
| Celery | 1/2 |
| Chopped tomato | 1/2 |
| Carrot | 1/2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Onion | 1/2 |
| Ketchup | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Dry mustard | 2 tsp |
| Sweet paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic granules | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 274.5
- Fat Content: 11.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 169.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 38.2g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 4.9g
- Protein Content: 6.3g
Instructions:
-
Preparation: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spiral pasta, diced green bell pepper, chopped celery, diced tomato, and shredded carrot. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure an even distribution.
-
-
Dressing Preparation: In a lidded jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped onion, ketchup, sugar, dry mustard, sweet paprika, garlic granules, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined.
-
Flavor Infusion: Allow the dressing to sit for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a harmonious blend of tangy and savory notes.
-
Combining the Salad: After the dressing has infused, pour it over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Using salad tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
-
Chill Time: Refrigerate the prepared salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to further develop and meld together. During this time, toss the salad gently twice to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
-
Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If desired, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of complexity or any additional seasoning you desire.
-
Serving: Once the salad has chilled and the flavors have melded to perfection, serve it in individual bowls or as a side dish to accompany your favorite main course. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Yield:
This recipe yields approximately 6 cups of Spiral Pasta Salad, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends or for meal prepping ahead of time for quick and convenient lunches throughout the week. Enjoy the tangy goodness of this refreshing salad and savor every flavorful bite! 🥗
