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Red, White, and Blue Pasta Salad

Red, White, and Blue Pasta Salad to Brighten Your BBQ

Brighten your BBQ with this colorful Red, White, and Blue Pasta Salad—a festive dish perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Short Pasta (rotini or shells) Best for sauce adherence and fun shapes.
  • 1 tsp Red Food Coloring Can use beet juice as a natural alternative.
  • 1 tsp Blue Food Coloring Stick with recommended food coloring for best results.
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup Mini Pepperoni Savory flavor and protein.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Cubed; can substitute with provolone or dairy-free cheese.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Finely chopped.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Diced; can substitute with yellow or orange peppers.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing Opt for a vinaigrette for a lighter salad.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowls
  • Zip-lock bags
  • large spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Prepare mix-ins: cube mozzarella, chop red onion and bell pepper, and measure out mini pepperoni.
  3. Divide the cooled pasta into three portions. Color two portions with red and blue food coloring in zip-lock bags.
  4. Rinse the colored pasta under cold water to prevent dye bleeding, then drain and set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine mini pepperoni, mozzarella, red onion, and bell pepper. Add Italian dressing and mix.
  6. Gently fold in the colored pasta, ensuring even distribution of colors and flavors.
  7. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Rinse the colored pasta well to maintain vibrant colors. Customize with seasonal vegetables for added crunch.

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