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Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss

Creamy Pasta Salad Bliss: Your Ultimate Summer Sidekick

Experience creamy pasta salad bliss with fresh ingredients for a vibrant summer side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 24 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Garden Rotini Pasta Feel free to swap with fusilli or penne for variety.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Consider using green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 medium Cucumber Zucchini makes a great substitution.
  • 1 cup Grape Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes can be an exchange.
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper Any bell pepper variety works.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Vinaigrette Dressing Experiment with different vinaigrettes for new flavors.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Old Bay seasoning can be a great alternative.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Feel free to omit if avoiding spice.
  • 1 teaspoon White Sugar Honey or agave syrup can be sweeter alternatives.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • cutting board
  • spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Add the garden rotini pasta and cook for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, Italian vinaigrette, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and sugar until smooth.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Dice red onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes, and yellow bell pepper into small pieces. Add to the dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing and vegetables. Fold gently to coat evenly.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Stir before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This creamy pasta salad can be customized with various mix-ins. Perfect for BBQs and meal prep!

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