Summer Delight Turkey Twist Pasta Salad
This refreshing Summer Delight Turkey Twist Pasta Salad is a staple in my kitchen during the warmer months. It perfectly balances tender rotini pasta, savory cooked turkey breast, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and vibrant Italian dressing creates a flavor profile that's both satisfying and invigorating. Whether served at brunch, a picnic, or a family get-together, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I hope you'll love it just as much as I do!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
cooked turkey breast
1/2 lb (diced)
cucumbers
2 small (halved, seeded, and chopped)
black olives
1 (15 ounce) can (sliced)
yellow onion
1 small (chopped)
celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
mayonnaise
1 cup (not applicable)
Italian dressing
3/4 cup (not applicable)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (not applicable)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (not applicable)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon (not applicable)
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon (not applicable)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined to create a creamy dressing.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled rotini pasta, sliced black olives, chopped cucumbers, yellow onion, and celery. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients.
4
Gently toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Summer Delight Turkey Twist Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Delight Turkey Twist Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad that combines tender rotini pasta, savory cooked turkey breast, crisp vegetables, and a zesty, creamy dressing.
Which pasta shape is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of rotini pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the rotini in salted boiling water according to package instructions until it is al dente.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down before assembly.
What type of protein is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of diced cooked turkey breast.
Can I use leftover turkey for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked turkey breast.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes small cucumbers, a small yellow onion, and chopped celery.
How many cucumbers do I need?
You will need two small cucumbers for this recipe.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be halved, seeded, and chopped.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe uses one 15 ounce can of sliced black olives.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped celery.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, Italian dressing, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses one cup of mayonnaise.
What amount of Italian dressing is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of Italian dressing.
Is there mustard in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
What role does lemon juice play?
One tablespoon of lemon juice is added to the dressing to provide a vibrant, zesty flavor.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise, Italian dressing, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until well combined.
When do I combine the dressing with the other ingredients?
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables in a large mixing bowl and toss gently.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour before serving.
Why does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration allows the various flavors of the ingredients and dressing to meld together.
How should the salad be served?
This pasta salad is best served chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a staple for picnics and summer get-togethers.
Can this salad be served for brunch?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that is suitable for brunch, picnics, or family gatherings.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is considered an easy recipe that is quick to assemble.
What is the flavor profile of the dressing?
The dressing is both creamy and vibrant, providing a satisfying and invigorating taste.
Can I substitute the yellow onion?
While the recipe calls for yellow onion, you can use red onion if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Is this dish considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal, making it perfect for warmer months.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients used to make this pasta salad.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include pasta salad, summer recipe, turkey salad, picnic food, and easy recipe.