Pineapple Pasta Salad Recipe
Welcome to Love with Recipes! Today, we’re diving into a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory goodness of pasta and fresh vegetables. This Pineapple Pasta Salad is not only quick to make but also bursting with tropical flavors that are perfect for any occasion, from a light lunch to a side dish at a summer barbecue.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Pineapple Pasta Salad
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving: Approximately 6 servings
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start:
- 12 oz corkscrew macaroni
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 3 tbsp juice)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 377.1
- Fat: 22.6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 281.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.9g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 10.6g
- Protein: 6g
Instructions:
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Start by cooking the corkscrew macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
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Prepare the Pineapple:
- Drain the pineapple chunks, ensuring to reserve 3 tablespoons of the juice for the dressing.
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Make the Dressing:
- In a small jar with a lid, combine the reserved pineapple juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Close the lid tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed. This dressing will add a zesty and slightly sweet flavor to the salad.
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Combine Pasta and Cauliflower:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked and cooled pasta with cauliflower florets. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and cauliflower mixture, ensuring everything is well coated. This step allows the flavors to meld together, especially when refrigerated overnight.
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Chill Overnight:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and the pasta to absorb the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
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Add Fresh Vegetables and Pineapple:
- Just before serving, add the broccoli florets, diced red and yellow bell peppers, drained pineapple chunks, and thinly sliced red onion to the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly distributed. The combination of crunchy vegetables and juicy pineapple will add texture and freshness to the salad.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the Pineapple Pasta Salad to a serving bowl or plate and enjoy it chilled. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a picnic, or alongside grilled meats at a barbecue. The sweet and tangy flavors paired with the tender pasta and crisp vegetables make it a crowd-pleaser.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Vegan: Substitute honey or maple syrup for the Worcestershire sauce to make the dressing vegan-friendly.
- Add Protein: Enhance the salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes for a more substantial meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious for the next day’s lunch.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Pasta Salad recipe from Love with Recipes combines ease of preparation with a burst of tropical flavors, making it a delightful addition to any mealtime spread. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something refreshing, this salad promises to satisfy with its balance of sweet pineapple, crunchy vegetables, and savory pasta dressed in a flavorful vinaigrette. Enjoy creating and sharing this dish with family and friends, and make every meal a culinary adventure!
