Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss
A delicious and creamy pasta salad perfect for summer gatherings, featuring a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and flavorful dressing.
Ingredients
Pasta and vegetables
- 8 oz Garden Rotini Pasta Can substitute with fusilli or penne.
- 1 medium Red Onion Can use green onions for milder flavor.
- 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini can be used instead.
- 1 pint Grape Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be swapped.
- 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Any bell pepper variety can be used.
Dressing
- 1 cup Italian Vinaigrette Dressing Can substitute with other vinaigrettes.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
- 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning Can substitute with Old Bay seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Omit if sensitive to spice.
- 1 tbsp White Sugar Honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat.
- Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the garden rotini pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preparing the Vegetables
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the red onion, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, and grape tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Assembling the Salad
- Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Italian vinaigrette dressing, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper, and white sugar until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and toss gently to coat.
Chilling and Serving
- Allow the pasta salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve it chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For leftovers, store any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refresh with a splash of vinaigrette or a dollop of mayonnaise before serving. This salad does not freeze well.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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