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Red White Blue Pasta Salad

Red White Blue Pasta Salad: A Colorful Summer Delight

This Red White Blue Pasta Salad is a vibrant and kid-friendly dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Short Pasta Any short pasta like penne, elbows, or shells
For the Color
  • 3 drops Red Food Coloring Optional for a festive touch
  • 3 drops Blue Food Coloring Optional for a festive touch
For Flavor & Texture
  • 1 cup Mini Pepperoni Substitute with turkey pepperoni or leave out
  • 8 oz Cubed Mozzarella Cheese Any cheese can be swapped
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Substitute with green onions or omit
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Swap for cherry tomatoes if desired
  • 1/2 cup Italian Dressing Opt for a non-creamy variety

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • ziplock bags
  • spatula
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Prepare the Coloring: In two ziplock bags, add three drops of red food coloring and one tablespoon of water in one, and blue food coloring in the other.
  3. Color the Pasta: Divide the cooled pasta into three portions, putting two into the color bags. Seal and shake to coat, soaking for about 5 minutes.
  4. Rinse the Colored Pasta: Carefully rinse the colored pasta under cold water to remove excess dye. Drain well and set aside.
  5. Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mini pepperoni, cubed mozzarella, diced red onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Add the Italian dressing and mix thoroughly.
  6. Mix in the Pasta: Gently fold the plain, red, and blue pasta into the bowl with the other ingredients until evenly distributed.
  7. Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This pasta salad is customizable; feel free to add or substitute ingredients as desired.

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