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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 5.0 (1 Reviews)
April's Favorite Pasta Salad 100

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for April's Favorite Pasta Salad

  • Rotini Pasta, cook according to package directions
  • Broccoli Florets, quantity not specified in recipe
  • Cucumber, quantity not specified in recipe
  • Carrots, quantity not specified in recipe
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • Mozzarella Cheese, quantity not specified in recipe
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Paprika, quantity not specified in recipe
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salad Supreme Dry Seasoning, quantity not specified in recipe
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 cup celery (diced)

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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

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Salads Lunch Sweets & Sides Side Dishes European Italian Mediterranean The Americas American Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Spring Recipes Summer Recipes 30 Minutes Or Less

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Salads Side Dishes Vegetables Potluck Picnic Spring Summer Seasonal Pasta Rice And Grains To Go