Pasta Salad Medley
A colorful pasta salad featuring tender corkscrew noodles, fresh vegetables, and flavorful Italian dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Kraft Zesty Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 cup (4 oz.) corkscrew noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup mushroom slices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cherry tomato halves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup zucchini slices or broccoli ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped red or green pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onion slices
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked and drained corkscrew noodles with mushroom slices, cherry tomato halves, zucchini or broccoli slices, chopped red or green pepper, and green onion slices in a large bowl.
- Pour Kraft Zesty Italian dressing over the vegetable and noodle mixture.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours.
- Drain the marinated mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix Miracle Whip salad dressing with grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add the cheese mixture to the vegetable and noodle mixture and toss lightly to coat.
- Chill the salad before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including olives or artichokes in the salad. If you want a lighter version, substitute the Miracle Whip with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette. Feel free to swap corkscrew noodles with colored rotini for a fun twist. Letting the salad marinate overnight enhances the flavors significantly, making it a great option for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad medley is perfect for potlucks or picnics and pairs beautifully with special garlic bread for a complete meal. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier option. For a vegetarian meal, enjoy it with more vibrant sides, like a fresh garden salad or Italian recipes featuring seasonal vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a splash of Zesty Italian dressing if it appears dry, but avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad Medley contains roughly 410 calories, with 8g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop. Just be sure to drain excess liquid before serving to maintain the salad's texture. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to enjoy.
What can I substitute for the Kraft Zesty Italian dressing?
You can use any Italian dressing or even a homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a fresher taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference to ensure the flavors complement the salad well.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pasta salad is completely vegetarian! With its mix of fresh vegetables and pasta, it fits well into vegetarian recipes. Just double-check the dressings to ensure they don't contain any animal products if you're serving strict vegetarians.
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).