Mardi Gras Pasta Salad
Mardi Gras Pasta Salad is a vibrant and festive dish that combines al dente penne pasta with fresh, crunchy vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual family meals, this salad offers a harmonious blend of colorful ingredients and bold flavors, celebrating the liveliness of Mardi Gras with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking (boiling pasta only)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
Vegetables
- 1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the red bell peppers, celery, and green onions into bite-sized pieces. Slice the black olives and ensure everything is ready for quick assembly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Dress the Salad: Pour Italian dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, then give it a quick toss and serve chilled.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Avoid mushy pasta by cooking just until tender but firm to the bite.
- Chill Thoroughly: Let the salad rest in the fridge to enhance flavor blending and improve texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Crisp, fresh vegetables add essential crunch and brightness.
- Adjust Dressing Amount: Start with less dressing, add more if needed to avoid a soggy salad.
- Mix Gently: Toss the ingredients carefully so the pasta retains its shape and the salad stays vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Mardi Gras Pasta Salad, colorful pasta salad, party salad, Italian dressing pasta, festive salad
Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mardi-gras-pasta-salad/