Fasta Pasta Salad
A light, creamy pasta salad with crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the angel hair pasta al dente, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, Kraft cole slaw dressing, prepared iceberg salad mix, sliced green onions, chopped red pepper, and thawed peas.
- Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Let the salad stand overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the salad. You can also substitute the angel hair pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables work well, but fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor. This salad can also be made vegan by using a plant-based dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Fasta Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish for barbecues or potlucks, and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak. You can also serve it alongside Marge'S Cranberry Salad for a colorful and flavorful meal. Consider garnishing with additional sliced green onions or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can add a splash of additional dressing before serving to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fasta Pasta Salad contains roughly 268 calories, with 8g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 19g 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 a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is recommended for its light texture, you can easily substitute it with rotini or penne. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How can I make this salad spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix. This will give the salad a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Is there a way to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is ideal for making ahead. After mixing all the ingredients, cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
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).