Tennille's Italian Pasta Salad

Tennille's Italian Pasta Salad
  • PREP TIME
    30 mins
  • COOK TIME
    20 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    1 hrs 30 mins
  • SERVING
    7 People
  • VIEWS
    18

A vibrant and refreshing pasta salad, bursting with fresh vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing. This versatile dish is easily customizable with your preferred seasonal produce, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    112 g
  • Cholesterol
    38 mg
  • Fiber
    8 g
  • Protein
    29 g
  • Saturated Fat
    11 g
  • Sodium
    1617 mg
  • Sugar
    10 g
  • Fat
    34 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Gently steam the broccoli and cauliflower florets until they are crisp-tender. (5-7 minutes). Immediately transfer to a large bowl and toss with butter and salt while still warm.

02

Step

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the seashell pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. (8-10 minutes)

03

Step

While the pasta is still hot, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and toss with the Italian dressing, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency. Allow the pasta to cool slightly before adding the carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Gently mix everything together. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

04

Step

After chilling for 30 minutes, remove the pasta salad from the refrigerator and gently stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Return the bowl to the refrigerator for another 30-45 minutes to allow the cheese to meld with the other ingredients before serving. (30-45 minutes)

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding grilled chicken, salami, or pepperoni.
Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or olives.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be added for a more complex flavor profile.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the salad.
For best results, use a high-quality Italian dressing or make your own from scratch.

Kian Ebert

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.0/ 5 ( 6 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Loren Langworth

    I added some grilled chicken and black olives, and it was absolutely delicious!

  • Mathias Hills

    This salad was a huge hit at my family picnic! Everyone loved the freshness and the zesty dressing.

  • Hildegard Kilback

    I found that using a homemade Italian dressing really elevated the flavors of this salad.

  • Keenan Ebert

    Easy to make and perfect for a quick and healthy lunch.

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