Description
The Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its creamy dressing and crisp vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the tender pasta to the crunchy bell peppers and the sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a luscious, tangy sauce that leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Add protein such as diced chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 500 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Keywords: Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, cold pasta dish, picnic food, easy pasta salad, vegetable pasta salad, refreshing salad, party food, make-ahead salad, vegetarian salad, colorful salad, creamy dressing