Angel Hair Salad
A fresh and colorful angel hair pasta salad with crisp vegetables, tangy Italian dressing, and melted cheese, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, cut up the tomato, green pepper, cucumber, mushrooms, and broccoli.
- Mix the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, Wish-Bone Italian dressing, and Salad Supreme spices while the pasta is still warm.
- Top the salad with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider roasting the broccoli and mushrooms before mixing them into the salad. You can substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option or use any pasta shape if angel hair is unavailable. To enhance the salad, add olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, a dollop of ricotta cheese can be a delightful addition.
Serving Suggestions
This Angel Hair Salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a more filling option. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside Ricotta Cheese Balls or a light soup. Fresh bread or garlic bread makes a great accompaniment, allowing you to soak up any extra dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly drier over time, so consider adding a splash of dressing before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so simply take it out of the fridge and serve straight away without reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Salad contains roughly 273 calories, with 12g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead. In fact, refrigerating it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to keep the cheese separate until you're ready to serve to maintain its freshness.
What vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots work well. You can also add roasted vegetables for a deeper flavor. Just ensure that they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. Just portion it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just remember to add cheese when serving to keep it fresh.
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).