Fresh Spring Garden Pasta Salad
Brighten your spring gatherings with this delectable Fresh Spring Garden Pasta Salad. Packed with colorful veggies and creamy goodness, this vibrant dish features the crunchiness of fresh broccoli, juicy tomatoes, and the indulgence of sharp cheddar cheese, all brought together with a zesty dressing of Miracle Whip, fresh herbs, and garlic. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Optional crispy bacon adds the perfect finishing touch, making this a salad that will please everyone's palate.
4
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Miracle Whip
1 cup (none)
Fresh Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped (substitute with 4 teaspoons dried if necessary))
Dried Basil Leaves
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Garlic Clove
1 (minced)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Broccoli Florets
2 cups (fresh)
Corkscrew Macaroni
1 cup (cooked and drained (tri-color recommended))
Medium Tomatoes
2 (cut into thin wedges)
Cooked Bacon
2-3 slices (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, chopped parsley, crushed basil, and minced garlic. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
2
Add the cubed sharp cheddar cheese, broccoli florets, and cooked corkscrew macaroni to the dressing mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
3
If using, add the sliced cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor. Mix lightly to incorporate.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
To serve, spoon the pasta salad onto individual salad plates, and arrange the thin wedges of tomatoes around the salad for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
16g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fresh Spring Garden Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant, creamy pasta salad featuring fresh broccoli, tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a zesty dressing made with Miracle Whip and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the base of the salad dressing?
The dressing base consists of 1 cup of Miracle Whip combined with parsley, basil, and garlic.
Can I make this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the optional bacon slices to make the dish fully vegetarian.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooked corkscrew macaroni, with tri-color pasta specifically recommended for a better presentation.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of cubed sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Use 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, kept raw to maintain a crunchy texture.
Can I substitute fresh parsley with dried?
Yes, if fresh parsley is not available, you can substitute 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley with 4 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This recipe provides 6 grams of protein per serving.
How are the tomatoes prepared for this dish?
Two medium tomatoes should be cut into thin wedges and arranged around the salad for presentation.
What herbs are used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 cup of fresh parsley and 1 teaspoon of crushed dried basil leaves.
Is garlic included in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes one minced garlic clove in the dressing mixture.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the salad?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and sliced before being incorporated into the salad.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to whisk together the Miracle Whip, parsley, basil, and minced garlic in a medium mixing bowl.
How should I combine the ingredients?
After making the dressing, gently fold in the cheese, broccoli, and cooked macaroni until evenly coated.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal potluck dish because it is easy to transport and serves well chilled.
What is the recommended serving style?
Spoon the salad onto individual plates and garnish with tomato wedges.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the optional bacon.
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
While corkscrew macaroni is suggested, other shapes like rotini or fusilli would also work well with the dressing.
Does the recipe contain any sugar or fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list values for sugar or fiber.
Is this a good lunch option?
Yes, it is described as a wonderful option for a light lunch.
What season is this recipe best suited for?
As indicated by the name, it is a spring recipe intended to celebrate the flavors of the season.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily add other garden veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.
What is the preparation for the basil?
The dried basil leaves should be crushed before being added to the dressing mixture.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with simple preparation and no complex cooking techniques.