Creamy Peas and Cheddar Pasta Salad
This Creamy Peas and Cheddar Pasta Salad combines tender shell pasta with bright green peas, crisp celery, and crunchy radishes for a delightful texture. Tossed in a creamy honey mustard dressing, it's bursting with flavor and nutrition. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or quick lunches, this salad is sure to please kids and adults alike with its vibrant colors and appealing taste. Make it ahead of time for a hassle-free meal option that brings a smile to everyone’s face!
8
Servings
210
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked small shell pasta
1 lb (none)
frozen baby peas
3 1/2 cups (thawed)
sliced celery
3 cups (none)
chopped red onion
1 cup (none)
thinly sliced radishes
1 1/2 cups (none)
cheddar cheese
3/4 lb (cut into 3/4"-1" cubes)
light mayonnaise
1 1/3-1 1/2 cups (none)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
sweet honey mustard
1/4 cup (none)
salt
3/4-1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
3/4-1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the small shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Make sure to drain it thoroughly.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the thawed baby peas, sliced celery, chopped red onion, thinly sliced radishes, and cheddar cheese cubes. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure an even mix.
3
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, milk, honey mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
4
4. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6
6. Give the salad a gentle toss again before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10.6g
Fat
24.4g
Carbs
4.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Peas and Cheddar Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful side dish featuring tender shell pasta, bright green peas, crisp celery, radishes, and cheddar cheese cubes tossed in a creamy honey mustard dressing.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of uncooked small shell pasta.
Do I need to cook the frozen baby peas?
No, you just need to ensure the 3 1/2 cups of frozen baby peas are thawed before adding them to the salad.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of light mayonnaise, milk, sweet honey mustard, salt, and pepper.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead meal option for barbecues, picnics, or lunches.
What vegetables provide crunch in this salad?
Sliced celery, chopped red onion, and thinly sliced radishes provide a delightful crunchy texture.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While the recipe specifies 3/4 lb of cheddar cheese cubes, you could use other semi-hard cheeses if preferred.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the vibrant colors and mild, appealing taste make it a hit with both kids and adults.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 10.6g of fat.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute regular mayonnaise for light mayonnaise in the same amount (1 1/3-1 1/2 cups).
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 pound of cheddar cheese cut into 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes.
Are radishes necessary for this recipe?
Radishes add a nice crunch and color, but they can be omitted if you prefer.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of sweet honey mustard.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add grilled chicken or ham to make it a main course.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh?
When kept refrigerated, the salad should stay fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a potluck recipe due to its ease of preparation and popularity.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, other small pasta shapes like macaroni or rotini would work well if you do not have shells.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving contains approximately 24.4g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While specific fiber grams are not listed, the peas and vegetables provide dietary fiber.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 4.4g of protein.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down immediately for the salad.
How much milk is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/4 cup of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
How much red onion should I chop?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped red onion.
Can I adjust the amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of each, which you can adjust to your personal taste.