A Twist On Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad featuring tri-color spirals, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings or light lunches with bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked tri color spiral pasta ⓘ
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken or vegetable broth ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 cups broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large sweet red pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions; rinse under cold water and drain.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, vinegar, oil, garlic, sugar, basil, and salt.
- Add the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, julienned red pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
- Toss everything to coat evenly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream to the dressing. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen broccoli can be a great substitute for fresh. Experiment with different vinegars or add some olives for a Mediterranean twist. To enhance flavors, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. Pair it with Stuffed Chicken Breasts In Wine Sauce for a delicious meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with iced tea or lemonade. It also works well alongside Mediterranean recipes like grilled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave for a minute or two, or enjoy it cold. If the pasta seems dry after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or olive oil before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A Twist On Pasta Salad contains roughly 285 calories, with 10g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1383mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are also great alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To add more protein, consider incorporating chickpeas, grilled chicken, or diced tofu. These additions will make the salad more substantial and satisfying, perfect for a complete meal.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can enhance it by adding other veggies like cucumbers or olives. For a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).