For those wishing to take their pasta salad game to the next level, this overhauled pasta side salad recipe is a game changer. With a unique blend of flavors and textures, this recipe delivers a refreshing and satisfying side dish perfect for any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or a grand holiday feast.
Photos of Pasta Side Salad Made Over Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be easily found in your local supermarket. However, you may want to take special note of Kraft light zesty Italian dressing and Kraft 2% milk shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses. These specific brands and types of dressing and cheese add a distinct flavor that makes this pasta salad truly stand out. If you can't find these exact ones, be sure to look for similar variants.
Ingredients for the Overhauled Pasta Side Salad
Miracle whip light dressing: This tangy, vinegary mayonnaise-like dressing adds a delightful creaminess to the salad.
Kraft light zesty Italian dressing: This dressing, with its savory herbs and spices, contributes a robust, tangy flavor.
Elbow macaroni: The main carbohydrate of the dish, it provides a firm, chewy component that makes the salad hearty and filling.
Kraft 2% milk shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses: This combination of cheeses adds a creamy, slightly sharp flavor and a pleasant, melty texture.
Carrots: When chopped and added to the salad, carrots provide a sweet, earthy crunch.
Frozen peas: A bright, sweet ingredient that adds color and texture.
Red bell peppers: They contribute a sweet, slightly bitter flavor and a satisfying crunch.
One reader, Boony Chao says:
This overhauled pasta side salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of dressings and cheeses creates a creamy and zesty flavor that's simply irresistible. The addition of veggies adds a refreshing crunch. It's a hit at every gathering and always leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Overhauled Pasta Side Salad Recipe
How to mix the dressings: In a large bowl, combine the Miracle Whip light dressing and Kraft light zesty Italian dressing until well blended.
How to add the remaining ingredients: Gently fold in the elbow macaroni, Kraft 2% milk shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, carrots, frozen peas, and red bell peppers into the dressing mixture until evenly coated.
How to refrigerate for 30 minutes: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
How To Make Pasta Side Salad Made Over
Assembled with red bell peppers, Jack Cheeses, elbow macaroni, carrots, and peas tossed with light dressings, this pasta side salad will definitely be hit!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cupMIRACLE WHIP Light Dressing
- ¼cupKRAFT Light Zesty Italian Dressing
- 1cupelbow macaroni,multi-grain, cooked
- 1cupKRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheeses
- ¾cupcarrots,matchstick-cut
- ½cupfrozen peas,thawed
- ½cupred bell peppers,chopped
Instructions
-
Mix the dressings in a large bowl.
-
Add the remaining ingredients, and mix lightly.
-
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 186.42kcal
- Fat: 9.21g
- Saturated Fat: 4.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.59g
- Carbohydrates: 18.30g
- Fiber: 1.75g
- Sugar: 3.18g
- Protein: 7.64g
- Cholesterol: 24.45mg
- Sodium: 140.82mg
- Calcium: 141.73mg
- Potassium: 159.73mg
- Iron: 0.70mg
- Vitamin A: 208.25µg
- Vitamin C: 18.77mg
Technique Tip for Overhauled Pasta Side Salad Recipe
To ensure that your pasta is perfectly cooked and not too soft, always follow the package instructions for cooking time. However, for a pasta salad, it's best to cook it a minute or two less than the recommended time. This is because the pasta will continue to soften as it absorbs the dressing. Also, remember to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This will keep your elbow macaroni firm and prevent it from becoming mushy in your salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pasta Side Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and ensure all necessary ingredients and tools are easily accessible before you start cooking.
Quick cooking methods: Utilize quick cooking methods such as stir-frying, grilling, or steaming to expedite the cooking process.
Multi-task: Plan your cooking tasks strategically to make the most of your time in the kitchen, such as preparing side dishes while the main course is cooking.
Use kitchen gadgets: Employ time-saving kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Batch cooking: Prepare large batches of food and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and dishes as you cook to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta Side Salad Made Over Recipe
miracle whip light dressing - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise-based dressings, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
kraft light zesty italian dressing - Substitute with homemade balsamic vinaigrette: Making a homemade balsamic vinaigrette allows for better control of the ingredients, reducing the overall sodium and preservatives present in store-bought dressings.
elbow macaroni - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta offers a higher fiber content and additional nutrients compared to traditional white pasta, making it a healthier choice.
kraft 2% milk shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cheese.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers offer a similar crunchy texture and vibrant color, adding a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the salad.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar pop of color and texture, while offering a higher protein content and a slightly nutty flavor.
red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color, adding visual appeal and a different taste profile to the salad.
Presenting Your Overhauled Pasta Side Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the pasta side salad in a circular motion on a large, white, porcelain plate, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the vibrant colors of the red bell peppers and green peas to add a pop of color to the dish, creating an eye-catching and appetizing appearance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the pasta salad to add a touch of freshness and elevate the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the pasta side salad in a stylish, modern bowl or dish to enhance the visual appeal and create a sophisticated presentation.
Add a touch of sophistication: Place a delicate edible flower, such as an orchid or nasturtium, on top of the pasta side salad to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall presentation.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the carrots and cheese in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is evenly distributed to create a harmonious and balanced composition.
Emphasize texture: Incorporate a variety of textures, such as the creamy dressing, al dente macaroni, and crunchy vegetables, to create a dynamic and visually interesting presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pasta Side Salad
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, and meats.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with holes used for draining liquids from food, such as pasta or vegetables.
- Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating or shredding ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or fruits.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Large spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving food.
- Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping ingredients and prepared dishes cold and fresh.
- Plastic wrap: A thin plastic film used for covering and wrapping food to keep it fresh.
- Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, stewing, or cooking large quantities of food.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting food.
Storing and Freezing Pasta Side Salad
This pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can mix the dressings and store them separately from the other ingredients. Combine the miracle whip and italian dressing in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until ready to use. Cook the pasta, chop the vegetables, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.
To keep the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy, you can store the dressing separately and mix it with the other ingredients just before serving. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the salad.
If you have leftover salad that you want to freeze, it's best to transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw the frozen pasta salad, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. If the salad seems a bit dry, you can add a little extra miracle whip or italian dressing to restore the creamy texture.
Reheating Leftover Pasta Side Salad
Microwave reheating: transfer the desired portion of leftover pasta salad to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the salad is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but may result in slightly softer textures.
Stovetop reheating: place the leftover pasta salad in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help reconstitute the dressing. Stir the salad gently and continuously until it is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method allows for more control over the texture and moisture content of the reheated salad.
Oven reheating: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta salad to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salad is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and to slightly crisp up the top of the salad.
Cold serving: if you prefer, you can also enjoy leftover pasta salad straight from the refrigerator. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance the flavors. If the salad seems a bit dry, toss it with a small amount of additional miracle whip light dressing or kraft light zesty italian dressing to refresh the texture and taste.
Random Fact About Overhauled Pasta Side Salad
Kraft Light Zesty Italian Dressing and Kraft 2% Milk Shredded Colby and Monterey Jack Cheeses are delicious and healthy alternatives to traditional ingredients, adding a flavorful twist to this classic pasta salad recipe.
Is Making Pasta Side Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This overhauled pasta side salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of vegetables and cheese provides a good balance of nutrition and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it an economical choice. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Pasta Side Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The overhauled pasta side salad recipe has some positive aspects, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered entirely healthy. Let's break it down:
- The use of miracle whip light dressing and kraft light zesty italian dressing reduces the overall calorie and fat content compared to their regular counterparts. However, these dressings still contain added sugars and preservatives.
- Elbow macaroni is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients than whole grain alternatives.
- Kraft 2% milk shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses are lower in fat than full-fat cheeses, but they are still processed and may contain additives.
- The inclusion of carrots, peas, and red bell peppers adds a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish, which is beneficial for overall health.
While this recipe has some healthier elements, there is room for improvement:
- Replace the miracle whip and italian dressings with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. This will reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives.
- Swap the elbow macaroni for a whole grain pasta alternative, such as whole wheat or quinoa pasta, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Opt for a smaller amount of a stronger flavored cheese, such as sharp cheddar or parmesan, to reduce the overall cheese quantity while maintaining taste.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the salad to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content. Consider adding more variety, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or spinach.
- Include a source of lean protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced.
Editor's Thoughts on This Pasta Side Salad Recipe
This pasta side salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The blend of Miracle Whip light dressing and Kraft light zesty Italian dressing creates a tangy and creamy base, while the addition of elbow macaroni, shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses, carrots, peas, and red bell peppers adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness. The salad is well-balanced and perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The refrigeration allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Enhance Your Pasta Side Salad Made Over Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Pasta Side Salad
Why trust this Pasta Side Salad Made Over Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic pasta salad, featuring a blend of miracle whip light dressing and kraft light zesty Italian dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor. The addition of elbow macaroni provides a satisfying texture, while the combination of kraft 2% milk shredded colby and monterey jack cheeses adds a rich and savory element. The inclusion of carrots, frozen peas, and red bell peppers offers a colorful and nutritious boost. Trust in the balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients of this overhauled pasta side salad recipe.
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