Looking for a delightful and refreshing dish to brighten up your meal? Look no further than this Tangy Catalina Pasta Salad Recipe! Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or just a simple family dinner, this salad is packed with flavor and an array of textures that everyone will love. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pasta salad that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details!
Tangy Catalina Pasta Salad
This pasta salad offers a wonderful balance of ingredients, bringing together tangy flavors with the sweetness of vegetables. It’s not just visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it off.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and thawed peas.
- Pour the Catalina dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, and season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of color and flavor!
This Tangy Catalina Pasta Salad is not only easy to make but can also be customized to your liking. Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it even heartier! Enjoy this as a side dish or even as a light main course. Bon appétit!