Ultimate Flavor-Infused Summer Pasta Salad
Beat the heat with this vibrant, oil-and-vinegar-based pasta salad that's packed with flavor and texture. Combining delightful wacky-shaped cellantani and colorful tri-colored rotini, this salad serves as a perfect side dish or a stunning main course for your summer gatherings. The crunchy sunflower seeds add a nutty dimension, while the fresh veggies - sweet carrots, crisp green pepper, and refreshing cucumber - bring a balance of sweetness and crunch. Toss in the savory Good Seasons garlic and herb seasoning mix to elevate the flavors, and let the salad rest overnight to allow the ingredients to meld into a refreshing medley that's both satisfying and delicious. Great for potlucks, picnics, or a simple summer dinner, this pasta salad is a must-have in your recipe repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cellantani pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
tri-colored rotini pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
Good Seasons garlic and herb seasoning mix
2 packets (1 oz each) (dry)
vegetable oil
to taste (for mixing)
red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (for mixing)
water
1/2 cup (for mixing)
carrots
4 large (diced)
green pepper
1 (diced)
cucumber
1 (diced)
sunflower seeds
1 cup (for mixing before serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the Good Seasons garlic and herb seasoning mix according to the packet instructions, combining with the recommended amounts of vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, and water.
2
Cook the cellantani and tri-colored rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced carrots, diced green pepper, and diced cucumber.
4
Pour the seasoned oil and vinegar mixture over the pasta and vegetables. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7
Just before serving, gently fold in the sunflower seeds for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called the Ultimate Flavor-Infused Summer Pasta Salad.
What types of pasta are used in this salad?
The recipe uses 1 lb of cellantani pasta and 1 lb of tri-colored rotini pasta.
What seasoning provides the main flavor for this dish?
The flavor comes from two 1 oz packets of Good Seasons garlic and herb seasoning mix.
What kind of dressing base is used?
It uses an oil-and-vinegar-based dressing made with vegetable oil, red wine vinegar, and water.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The salad includes four large carrots, one green pepper, and one cucumber.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The carrots, green pepper, and cucumber should all be diced.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
When should I add the sunflower seeds?
The sunflower seeds should be gently folded in just before serving to maintain their crunch.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to package directions.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Yes, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What amount of sunflower seeds is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sunflower seeds.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar.
How much water is added to the dressing?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the seasoning mix.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is described as a perfect side dish or a stunning main course.
Should I adjust the seasoning after refrigeration?
Yes, before serving, you should taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Is this a good dish for potlucks?
Yes, it is ideal for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings.
What is the texture of this salad?
It features a mix of tender pasta, crisp diced vegetables, and crunchy sunflower seeds.
How many packets of seasoning mix are needed?
Two 1 oz packets are required for the recipe.
What kind of oil should be used?
Vegetable oil is recommended for mixing with the seasoning.
Is this recipe considered a make-ahead meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a make-ahead meal because it requires overnight refrigeration.
How should the salad be stored in the fridge?
The bowl should be covered with plastic wrap or a lid.
What makes this salad 'ultimate' according to the description?
Its vibrant colors, wacky-shaped pasta, and the flavor infusion from the overnight resting period.
What size should the carrots be?
The recipe specifies using 4 large carrots.
How much pasta is used in total?
A total of 2 lbs of pasta is used (1 lb of each type).
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to prepare the Good Seasons seasoning mix according to packet instructions.
Does the recipe use mayonnaise?
No, this is an oil-and-vinegar-based salad, not a creamy mayonnaise-based one.
Why is the pasta rinsed in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
How do you ensure the pasta is well-coated?
After pouring the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, you should toss the mixture well.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad option for summer.