April's Favorite Pasta Salad Recipe

This 7-year family favorite pasta salad recipe features a homemade dressing inspired by Heinz Gourmet Salad Vinegar. Forget bottled Italian dressing! This vibrant salad is bursting with fresh veggies (easily customizable to your preferences – add cauliflower, cannellini beans, or anything you crave!), and it's the perfect side dish for everything from strombolis to grilled chicken. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you saying 'looooove it!'

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 377.1 kcal
Protein 21g
Rating Be the first
April's Favorite Pasta Salad 267

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for April's Favorite Pasta Salad

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this April's Favorite Pasta Salad? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make April's Favorite Pasta Salad

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, whisk together the dressing ingredients: 1/4 cup Heinz Gourmet Salad Vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Chop the vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup green bell pepper (diced), 1/2 cup celery (diced).
  4. Add the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and dressing to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your liking.
  6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

20 g

Sugar

15g

Fat

31g

Carbs

9g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make April's Favorite Pasta Salad?

April's Favorite Pasta Salad takes about 50 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in April's Favorite Pasta Salad?

April's Favorite Pasta Salad has approximately 377.1 calories per serving, with about 21 g protein, 9 g carbohydrates and 38 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for April's Favorite Pasta Salad?

The key ingredients for April's Favorite Pasta Salad are Rotini Pasta, Broccoli Florets, Cucumber, Carrots, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onion. See the full list with measurements above.

Reviews

No reviews yet — be the first to share your thoughts on this recipe!

Write a Review