Cheddar Dill Veggie Delight Pasta Salad
This Cheddar Dill Veggie Delight Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish, perfect for summer gatherings and barbecues. Bursting with the crispness of fresh vegetables and the sharpness of extra sharp cheddar cheese, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of colorful bell peppers, scallions, and olives adds both flavor and visual appeal, while the creamy mayonnaise and aromatic dill tie everything together. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just enjoying a sunny day, this salad is the ideal accompaniment to your favorite grilled dishes. It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.
8
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne, rotini, or radiatore shaped pasta
1 lb (Cooked and cooled)
Red bell pepper
1 (Finely chopped)
Orange bell pepper
1 (Finely chopped)
Scallion
1 bunch (Finely chopped)
Black olives
1 (3 7/8 ounce) can (Sliced or whole, your choice)
Cheddar cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (N/A)
Dill
3 tablespoons (Fresh, chopped (or approximately 1 teaspoon dried))
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set aside to dry completely.
2
While the pasta is cooling, finely chop the red and orange bell peppers, scallions, and black olives.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and dried dill (adjusting to taste). Add this mixture to the pasta and veggies, stirring gently until everything is well-coated.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
17g
Carbs
4.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Cheddar Dill Veggie Delight Pasta Salad.
What are the primary ingredients in this pasta salad?
The main ingredients include pasta, red and orange bell peppers, scallions, black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and dill.
What pasta shapes are recommended for this dish?
Penne, rotini, or radiatore shaped pasta work best for this recipe.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of pasta.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use approximately 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead of 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
One red and one orange bell pepper should be finely chopped.
What kind of olives are used?
A 3 7/8 ounce can of black olives, either sliced or whole, is used.
How many scallions are needed?
One bunch of scallions, finely chopped, is required.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a mixture of 1 cup of mayonnaise and dill.
How long should the pasta salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least two hours before serving.
Why is refrigeration important for this salad?
Chilling allows the flavors of the vegetables, cheese, and dressing to meld together beautifully.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 225 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this pasta salad?
Each serving provides 4.75g of protein.
Should the pasta be cooked in a specific way?
Yes, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente according to the package instructions.
What is the first step after boiling the pasta?
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down, then let it dry completely.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad and should be served chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for preparing ahead of time as the flavors improve after chilling.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, picnics, and as a side dish for grilled meals.
How should the mayonnaise and dill be mixed?
They should be mixed in a separate bowl before being added to the pasta and vegetables.
How should the ingredients be combined?
Stir the pasta, vegetables, cheese, and dressing gently until everything is well-coated.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Tags include summer pasta salad, picnic salad, side dish, and cheddar cheese salad.
Can I adjust the amount of dill?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of dried or fresh dill to suit your personal taste.
What makes this salad a 'Veggie Delight'?
The inclusion of vibrant red and orange bell peppers, scallions, and black olives creates a colorful and fresh vegetable profile.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can this salad be served immediately?
While it can be served immediately, it is highly recommended to chill it for at least two hours for the best flavor.