Delightful Garden Pasta Salad
This Delightful Garden Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic macaroni salad, bursting with colorful vegetables and a creamy dressing that perfectly balances flavors. Even if you're not a fan of traditional pasta salads, this one will change your mind! Inspired by family gatherings and perfected over the years, this recipe has gained a cult following—so much so that my mother-in-law switched from her time-honored macaroni salad to embrace this delightful version. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the crunch of fresh veggies with the creaminess of a sweet dressing. Make it ahead to let the flavors meld for an even more delicious experience!
15
Servings
187
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
pasta shells
16 ounces (small shells, cooked until al dente)
grape tomatoes
1/2 lb (halved (optional))
carrots
3 medium (grated)
green sweet pepper
1 medium (finely diced)
sweet red pepper
1 medium (finely diced)
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can (none)
Miracle Whip
2 cups (none)
sugar
1/2 cup (optional)
white vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Cook the pasta shells in boiling salted water until they are al dente. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the grated carrots, diced sweet peppers, and halved grape tomatoes if using.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, Miracle Whip, sugar (if desired), white vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the dressing.
4
Pour the dressing over the pasta vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best served chilled.
Nutrition Information
5.3g
Fat
26.7g
Carbs
2.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delightful Garden Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing twist on classic macaroni salad featuring colorful vegetables and a creamy, sweet dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended?
Small pasta shells are recommended for this recipe.
Can I substitute Miracle Whip with mayonnaise?
The recipe specifically calls for Miracle Whip to achieve its signature tangy flavor profile.
Is the added sugar required in the dressing?
No, adding 1/2 cup of sugar is optional depending on your preference for sweetness.
What specific vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes grated carrots, finely diced green sweet peppers, and finely diced red sweet peppers.
Are grape tomatoes mandatory?
No, the 1/2 lb of halved grape tomatoes is an optional addition to the recipe.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
You should refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, making it ahead of time is recommended as it improves the flavor after chilling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Delightful Garden Pasta Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 187 calories.
What creates the creamy base for the dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of sweetened condensed milk and Miracle Whip.
What types of peppers should I use?
You should use one medium green sweet pepper and one medium red sweet pepper.
How should the carrots be prepared?
Three medium carrots should be grated before being added to the pasta mixture.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta shells should be cooked in boiling salted water until they are al dente.
Is this recipe good for summer barbecues?
Yes, it is a perfect crowd-pleaser for summer barbecues, potlucks, and gatherings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5.3g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2.4g of protein.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
While the recipe lists specific ingredients, you can customize it with additional fresh vegetables if desired.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 26.7g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
1/4 cup of white vinegar is used to balance the sweetness of the dressing.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While small shells are traditional for this recipe, other small pasta shapes could be used.
How much salt and pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Why is sweetened condensed milk used?
It provides a unique, creamy, and sweet base for the dressing that distinguishes it from traditional macaroni salad.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, it is a sweet and savory salad using sweet peppers rather than spicy ones.
How should I store the leftover salad?
Keep the salad covered and refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Can I use whole wheat pasta shells?
Yes, whole wheat shells can be substituted if you prefer a different nutritional profile.
Is there a specific serving size provided?
The recipe makes 15 servings, though the specific measurement per serving is not specified.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Pasta Salads.