Rainbow Radiatore the Ultimate Tricolor Pasta Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a pasta salad recipe that's easy as pie and bursting with flavour? Ever wondered how to elevate your picnic salad recipes ? This tri color pasta salad is your answer! It is zesty, colourful and oh-so-satisfying.
Brief Overview
Originating from Italian American cuisine, tri color pasta salad is the ultimate summer salad recipes for casual gatherings. This easy pasta salad takes about an hour from start to finish.
The recipe yields 6-8 servings and is a perfect light lunch or side dish.
Main Benefits
This cold pasta salad is packed with fresh veggies, making it a healthy and delicious choice. It's the ideal pasta salad for lunch or a pasta salad side at your next barbecue.
What makes this recipe special? It is a make-ahead pasta salad , meaning less stress on the day! This is the best pasta salad for meal prep as it can be stored for up to 3 days!
Ready to dive in? The star of this italian pasta salad is, of course, the radiatore pasta salad ! Radiatore’s ridges perfectly grab the flavourful dressing.
Let's Gather Our Bits
Before we get started, let's talk pasta salad ingredients . You'll need the radiatore pasta, your favorite pasta salad dressing and some colorful veggies, all of which are easily customisable! I also love adding salami for a bit of protein! But let's not forget you can try a vegetarian pasta salad option !
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk bits and bobs, yeah? To make this tri color pasta salad fly, it's all about the right ingredients. The fresher, the better. Honestly, it's that simple.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) tri-color radiatore pasta: Look for a brand that isn't too starchy. You know, the kind that clumps up in the pot.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Italian dressing: Go for a good quality one. Or even better? Make your own!
- 1/2 cup (115g) mayonnaise: Full fat is classic, but light works too. It's your party.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar: This gives it that zing, innit?
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle bit of depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried oregano: A must for that Italian vibe.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt: Seasoning is your friend.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper: Freshly ground is always better.
- 1/2 cup (50g) cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweetness and pop!
- 1/2 cup (50g) cucumber, diced: Refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 cup (50g) red bell pepper, diced: Colour and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup (50g) black olives, pitted and sliced: Salty goodness.
- 1/2 cup (60g) salami, diced: Get a good salami! Genoa or hard salami are great.
- 1/4 cup (25g) red onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of bite.
- 1/4 cup (10g) fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and freshness.
- Optional: 1/4 cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese: For a bit of cheesy goodness!
Seasoning Notes
Oregano, salt, and pepper. This blend is the base. This is what makes it an Italian pasta salad, alright? A dash of garlic powder can elevate it to.
Don't be shy with your herbs. The best pasta salad recipe has great seasoning!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
That's about it for the kit. Seriously, nothing fancy needed. Most easy pasta salad recipes don't call for much. Use a big bowl though, you'll thank me later.
Cooking Method: Boiling Pasta for the Best Tri Color Pasta Salad
Right then, let's get cracking! A good tri color pasta salad is a proper summer staple. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a day at the seaside with a Mr.
Whippy - simple pleasures done right.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place , Mate!
First things first, get your mise en place sorted. This fancy French term just means getting everything ready before you start cooking.
Honestly, it's a game changer. Gather your pasta, pasta salad ingredients , and chopping board. Grab your veggies. Dice the salami, and get ready to rumble.
Safety reminder: Keep that knife sharp and your fingers out of the way!
step-by-step: Easy As Pie!
- Fill a big pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. This seasons the pasta from the inside out, you know? Bring it to a rolling boil .
- Chuck in your tri color radiatore pasta. Set a timer for 10- 12 minutes . Check the packet instructions, mind.
- While the pasta's cooking, whisk together your dressing. Italian dressing, mayo, red wine vinegar, Dijon, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good ol' mix.
- Chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, olives, salami, and red onion. Get them into that bowl of dressing.
- Once the pasta is al dente (slightly firm to the bite), drain it in a colander. Rinse with cold water to stop it cooking. Then, tip it into the bowl with the veggies and dressing. Toss gently.
- Cover and bung it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is where the magic happens.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious Italian pasta salad .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta Salad
Want to take your easy pasta salad to the next level? Here's a couple of tricks. Don't overcook the pasta, that’s a crime against food! Taste and adjust the seasoning.
A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up. Common mistake to avoid: using too much dressing. It should coat the pasta, not drown it.
Also, this salad is great for pasta salad meal prep . Make it a day ahead for extra flavour. A fantastic addition to your picnic salad recipes .
This pasta salad recipe is a winner for sure. It’s perfect for summer salad recipes , pasta salad sides , or even pasta salad for lunch .
And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try some pasta salad variations ? This cold pasta salad is simple and satisfying.
Want a vegetarian pasta salad option ? Just leave out the salami. Enjoy your quick pasta salad creation! You've got this.
Right then, let's chat about a few extra bits for this tri color pasta salad . It's more than just a recipe, it's about making it your own, innit?
Recipe Notes
Ace Serving Suggestions
Think about the presentation , yeah? Pile that easy pasta salad high in a nice bowl. A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Bang on! This recipe is also the perfect accompaniment to your barbecue.
I like it as a side with grilled chicken or some sausages. Don't forget a jug of lemonade or iced tea.
It's one of the best summer salad recipes , perfect to pair with.
Proper Storage Tips
Honestly, this cold pasta salad keeps well. Bung it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be grand for about three days.
Freezing isn't ideal. The pasta salad ingredients might get a bit mushy. To reheat, just let it sit at room temperature for a bit.
Give it a good stir to freshen it up. Sorted.
Cracking Variations
Want to mix it up? If you're avoiding meat, ditch the salami. Chickpeas or cannellini beans will add the protein.
Lovely . For a vegetarian pasta salad option , feta and sun-dried tomatoes are amazing. You can also swap out for other seasonal ingredients.
You can also try radiatore pasta salad with spinach and artichoke hearts. Also, for a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pasta salad dressing .
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, so this italian pasta salad isn’t exactly health food, but it's not terrible. The veggies are good for you, obviously.
Salami adds protein, you know? But go easy on the dressing, it’s calorific. You can always use light mayo. This quick pasta salad has carbs for energy, too.
Bonus .
So, there you have it. A few extra tips to make this tri color pasta salad even better. This pasta salad recipe is perfect for a picnic salad recipes .
Go on, get stuck in and enjoy. Also, it's a really good pasta salad for lunch or you can do pasta salad meal prep .
This can be the best pasta salad recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tri color pasta salad ahead of time, like the day before a BBQ?
Absolutely! In fact, it's almost better the next day. Making the tri color pasta salad a day ahead allows the flavors to really meld together. Just give it a good toss before serving and you're golden, guv'nor!
My tri color pasta salad seems a bit dry after chilling. What can I do?
That's a common issue! Pasta tends to absorb the dressing as it sits. Simply whisk together a little extra Italian dressing and a splash of red wine vinegar and toss it through the salad before serving. You can also add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to loosen it up - Bob's your uncle!
I'm not a huge fan of salami. What other protein options work well in this tri color pasta salad?
No worries, there are loads of alternatives! Diced cooked chicken or turkey are fantastic options, or you could try some cubed mozzarella cheese for a vegetarian boost. For a little kick, consider some grilled shrimp or even some crumbled, cooked bacon that would definitely bring home the bacon!
How long does tri color pasta salad last in the fridge? Is it safe to eat after a few days?
Tri color pasta salad is usually good for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. After that, the texture can start to get a bit mushy, and the risk of bacteria increases, so it's best to err on the side of caution, mate. Give it a sniff test before diving in!
Can I freeze tri color pasta salad?
Freezing isn't really recommended. The pasta can become quite mushy upon thawing, and the mayonnaise in the dressing can separate, resulting in a less than-ideal texture. It's best to enjoy it fresh! Think of it as a reason to have another BBQ sooner rather than later!
Any tips for keeping the veggies in my tri color pasta salad from getting soggy?
Absolutely! There are a couple of tricks. First, make sure your vegetables are thoroughly dry after washing them. Second, consider adding the more delicate vegetables (like tomatoes and cucumbers) closer to serving time if you're making the salad way in advance. And, of course, don't overdress the salad.
You want a coating, not a swamp!
Rainbow Radiatore The Ultimate Tricolor Pasta Sa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
