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–+ servings

Pasta Summer Salad Recipe

Author: Zaina Hill
A refreshing creamy pasta salad with crunchy vegetables, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces Salad Macaroni or Ditalini Pasta
  • 1 cup Broccoli Florets
  • ½ cup Cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup Red Pepper, finely diced
  • ½ cup Black Olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup Green Onion, very thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons White Wine or Plain Vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Sugar

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, adding a tablespoon of kosher salt to the boiling water for flavor. Just before the pasta finishes cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Let them boil together for about 30 seconds.
  • Drain the pasta and broccoli using a large colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to stop the cooking process, ensuring they're cool and bright.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth dressing.
  • Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Add the cucumber, red pepper, olives, and green onions, and stir to combine.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. Cover and refrigerate the salad until you're ready to serve. Stir the salad again just before serving to ensure it's well mixed.

Notes

  • Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape.
  • Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to enhance flavors.
  • Experiment with vegetables like peas or cherry tomatoes for added color and crunch.
  • If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of cold water.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g
Keyword Creamy Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad
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