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–+ servings
Tri Color Pasta Salad

Vibrant Tri Color Pasta Salad for Perfect Summer Picnics

Create a delightful Tri Color Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer picnics, combining colorful pasta, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz Tri-Color Pasta can substitute with any short pasta like rotini or penne
  • 4 oz Sliced Pepperoni consider swapping with cooked chicken or turkey slices
  • 2 medium Carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium Red Onion or substitute with green onions for a milder flavor
  • 1 cup Broccoli cut into small florets, and can be blanched
  • 1 cup Canned Olives can swap with diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Italian Salad Dressing for better flavor, try Kraft Tuscan House dressing
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese use less for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative
Optional Toppings
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped, for added freshness
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated or shaved

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • spoon
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the vegetables by chopping carrots, red onion, and broccoli. Set aside.
  3. Mix the cooked pasta with sliced pepperoni and canned olives in a large mixing bowl. Add in the chopped vegetables and stir gently.
  4. Pour half of the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss to coat. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and mix gently.
  5. Add the remaining Italian dressing and mozzarella cheese, mixing thoroughly.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This Tri Color Pasta Salad can be prepared a few hours in advance for better flavor infusion. It travels well and is perfect for picnics, but should be kept at safe temperatures.

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