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Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant pasta salad recipe is a crowd-pleaser, inspired by a favorite restaurant dish but arguably even better! A delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, it's bursting with colorful bell peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and more. Customize it with your favorite ingredients – it's incredibly versatile! Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a light summer meal. (Garlic is optional, but highly recommended!)

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Calories 610.8 kcal
Protein 25g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad

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How to Make Sweet Colorful Party Pasta Salad

  1. Cook 1 pound pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large red bell pepper, 1 large yellow bell pepper, and 1 large orange bell pepper (sliced) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Stir frequently. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, bell peppers, 1 cup black olives (sliced), 1/2 cup pimientos (sliced), 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced), and 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
  6. Add 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1-2 cloves garlic (minced) to taste. Mix well.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld. (Pasta may absorb some dressing; add more vinegar and oil if needed before serving.)
  8. Enjoy your delicious and colorful pasta salad!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

7 g

Sugar

70g

Fat

16g

Carbs

28g

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Salads Main Courses Lunch Main Dish / Dinner Sweets & Sides Side Dishes European Italian Mediterranean The Americas American Healthy Vegetarian Summer Recipes Game Day Recipes

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion North American Healthy Salads Side Dishes Pasta Vegetables American Southern United States European Refrigerator Central American Potluck Dinner Party Holiday Event Picnic Spring Vegetarian Easter Italian Dietary Christmas Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Seasonal Low Saturated Fat Wedding Inexpensive Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Elbow Macaroni Pasta Shells Superbowl Taste Mood Savory Sweet To Go Equipment Number Of Servings Presentation Served Cold