Aunt Kelly'S Salad
A vibrant, flavorful pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, grapes, and cheeses, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the tri-colored pasta, then drain and let it cool.
- Combine cherry or grape tomatoes, finely chopped scallions, red grapes, green grapes, thawed peas, and broccoli florets in a large bowl.
- Mix the vegetables and fruits with the cooled pasta.
- Reserve some Parmesan cheese and add the rest along with the feta cheese to the salad.
- Add the balsam and vinaigrette dressing and toss to combine.
- Top the salad with the reserved Parmesan cheese.
- Refrigerate until well chilled before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the dressing or use a low-fat vinaigrette. Feel free to swap the tri-colored pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. This salad can be made a day ahead for flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant salad makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or a light main course on its own. Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a slice of homemade bread or a bowl of soup. It also pairs beautifully with Lazy Girl Cobbler for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some dressing, so add a little extra vinaigrette before serving to refresh the salad. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may become mushy upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Kelly'S Salad contains roughly 150 calories, with 7g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 different types of cheese in this salad?
Absolutely! While Parmesan and feta add great flavor, you can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese based on your preference. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will vary slightly, so choose cheeses that complement the salad's overall profile.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit both the Parmesan and feta cheese, or replace them with vegan cheese alternatives. Also, ensure that the balsam and vinaigrette dressing is free of dairy products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegan version of Aunt Kelly's Salad.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You could also add some chopped bell peppers or cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. These additions not only enhance the texture but also increase the nutritional value of the salad.
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).