Cooking for your family doesn’t have to be a chore. The Mardi Gras Pasta Salad is here to bring deliciousness to your table without stressing you out. This colorful salad works wonders for busy moms. It offers a delightful mix of flavors, making it a hit at any meal or gathering. Plus, it is quick to whip up, leaving you with more time to spend with your loved ones.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Mardi Gras Pasta Salad brings smiles to the dinner table and keeps everyone happy. It’s kid-friendly, nutritious, and perfect for a crowd. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes, which means less time in the kitchen and more time for family fun. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this salad a practical choice for your busy weeknight dinners. The vibrant colors and flavors make it feel festive without any extra fuss.
How to Make Mardi Gras Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Boil a pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Mardi Gras Pasta Salad
A colorful and nutritious pasta salad perfect for family meals, packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, yellow, or green)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle the Italian dressing over the salad. Toss until everything is well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Refresh with a splash of dressing if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to Serve
This Mardi Gras Pasta Salad shines as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it as a light lunch or bring it to potlucks. It’s filling, so a small serving satisfies. Add some crusty bread or garlic knots on the side to make it even heartier.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a good stir. You may want to add a splash more dressing to refresh the flavors. Avoid freezing this salad, as it does not keep well.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to customize this Mardi Gras Pasta Salad to suit your family’s preferences. Use any pasta variety you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Swap out vegetables based on what your kids enjoy or what’s in season. Try adding protein like diced chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra boost. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a handful of spinach can also enhance the salad’s flavor and texture without complicating the process.
FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes! This salad tastes even better when made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to blend.
What can I substitute for Italian dressing?
You can use a homemade vinaigrette or any dressing you enjoy, like ranch or balsamic.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add seasonal veggies like zucchini, corn, or cucumbers to increase the freshness.
Conclusion
The Mardi Gras Pasta Salad is a delightful way to bring color and flavor to your family meals. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try. Your family will love it, and you can save it for future busy days. Enjoy cooking!
