Command Performance Pasta
A colorful pasta salad with tangy vinegar, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or summer gatherings with bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package garden-style macaroni twirls ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can mixed vegetables, drained ⓘ
- 5 oz. Cheddar cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 package Potato Toppers ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sugar and vinegar in a small bowl; stir until dissolved and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni twirls in boiling water according to package instructions; drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine diced onion, diced green bell pepper, diced celery, and drained mixed vegetables.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the vegetables.
- Stir in cubed Cheddar cheese and hard-boiled eggs, chopped if desired.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables; toss gently to combine.
- Add the vinegar mixture; toss again to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle with Potato Toppers just before serving for added crunch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or substituting Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You can also replace the hard-boiled eggs with diced avocado for a vegan option. If you want to enhance the flavor, mixing in some herbs like dill or parsley will add freshness. This recipe is versatile; feel free to use any mix of vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Command Performance Pasta as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, or pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal. It also goes well alongside dishes like Biscuits For Dixie Fried Chicken. For a refreshing touch, add a simple green salad to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of evaporated milk to loosen the pasta if it has thickened. This pasta salad is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Command Performance Pasta contains roughly 312 calories, with 5g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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 Command Performance Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to add the Potato Toppers right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese?
You can easily substitute the Cheddar cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians! Just ensure the mayonnaise used is free from animal products if you want it to be completely vegan. You can also add more veggies or beans for extra protein.
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).