Tangy Pasta And Cheese Salad
A vibrant, tangy pasta salad combining rotini, cheese, peas, bacon, and fresh vegetables, dressed in a creamy yogurt-mustard sauce—perfect for picnics and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked rotini noodles ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cubed Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen peas ⓘ
- 6-8 slices cooked, crumbled bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olives (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon prepared hot spicy mustard ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons low-calorie mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the rotini noodles according to the package directions.
- Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, and seasoned salt to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, cubed Cheddar cheese, frozen peas, crumbled bacon, chopped green onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and olives (if using).
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute low-fat yogurt for the plain yogurt and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon entirely or use a meat alternative. Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as feta or mozzarella, to give the salad a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Tangy Pasta And Cheese Salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with sides like Refrigerator Pan Rolls or Georgia Corn Bread for a comforting dinner. Top with additional olives or cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave, adding a splash of yogurt or mayonnaise to refresh the dressing. Alternatively, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge as a quick lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Pasta And Cheese Salad contains roughly 717 calories, with 26g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (61% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2837mg per serving (123% 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 use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While rotini noodles work well for their shape and ability to hold the dressing, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by using plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives. Additionally, replace the cheese with a vegan cheese product or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding protein sources like diced grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa. These additions will not only boost the protein content but also enhance the overall texture and flavor of the dish.
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).