De-Lightful Pasta Salad
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Vegetable
Servings: 8 servings
Description
If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and vibrant addition to your next gathering, look no further than this De-Lightful Pasta Salad, a tried-and-true recipe that promises to be a hit at any potluck or picnic. Bursting with fresh vegetables and colorful tri-color spiral pasta, this dish is not only visually appealing but also tantalizingly delicious, thanks to its perfect sweet-sour dressing that enhances rather than overpowers the natural flavors of the ingredients. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, you’ll find that this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and get ready to enjoy a delightful culinary experience that will surely leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vinegar | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Cucumber | 1/2, diced |
| Red onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Cauliflower | 1 cup, chopped |
| Broccoli | 1 cup, chopped |
| Black olives | 1 cup, sliced |
| Tri-color spiral pasta | 1/2 pound |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 482.6 |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.1 mg |
| Sodium | 173.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 64.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 8.6 g |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the tri-color spiral pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This will stop the cooking process and help cool the pasta for your salad.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, take the time to chop your fresh vegetables. Dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and chop the cauliflower and broccoli into bite-sized florets. Slice the black olives and set them aside.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the well-drained pasta along with all of the prepared vegetables. This colorful mixture not only adds nutritional value but also makes the salad visually appealing.
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Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the dressing is smooth. This dressing provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements the vegetables and pasta beautifully.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently mix everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Season to Taste: Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. This step is essential to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a large airtight container, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad a gentle stir, and it’s ready to serve. This De-Lightful Pasta Salad is perfect for sharing at potlucks or enjoying on a sunny picnic day.
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Tip: This recipe is easily doubled if you’re expecting a larger crowd or want to enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
This De-Lightful Pasta Salad is not only a hit at gatherings but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while keeping things fun and flavorful. Enjoy every bite!
