When it comes to versatile and crowd-pleasing dishes, a pasta salad always hits the mark. This tri-color pasta salad is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also packs a punch in flavor and texture. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a delightful side dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s how you can make this delicious pasta salad.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of tri-color rotini pasta
- 1 cup of diced cucumber
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of chopped red onion
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of cubed cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
- 1 cup of diced ham
- 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by cooking 500 grams of tri-color rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will hold up better when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice 1 cup each of cucumber, carrots, and celery into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop 1/2 cup of red onion finely.
- Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.
- Set all the vegetables aside.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the diced cucumber, carrots, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, and diced ham.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Make sure to mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Add Fresh Herbs:
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta salad.
- Give the salad one final toss to incorporate the parsley.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Options: You can replace the ham with other proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian Version: To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the ham. You can add more vegetables or beans like chickpeas for added protein.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, mozzarella, or provolone to change up the flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh basil, dill, or chives can also be added for a different herbaceous note. Feel free to adjust the herbs according to your taste.
- Creamy Alternative: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream. This will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.
Health Benefits:
- Tri-Color Pasta: Made from a combination of semolina wheat, spinach, and tomato, tri-color pasta offers a variety of nutrients including iron and vitamins A and C.
- Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, the mix of cucumbers, carrots, celery, and tomatoes provide a significant nutritional boost.
- Cheese: While it adds creaminess, cheese also contributes calcium and protein.
- Ham: Provides a good source of protein and iron, though it can be high in sodium, so use it in moderation or choose a low-sodium option.
This tri-color pasta salad is a perfect example of how a simple combination of ingredients can result in a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. It’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a main course and can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a picnic, or a potluck, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite!
