Zesty Catalina Rotini Salad
This Zesty Catalina Rotini Salad is a delightful twist on a classic pasta salad that brings vibrant flavors and a burst of color to your table. With rotini pasta as the base, this salad features a fresh crunch from diced green bell peppers and a luscious creamy dressing that harmonizes beautifully. While the original recipe includes hardboiled eggs for richness, this version skips them for an aromatic experience that allows the other flavors to shine through. Preparing it the night before allows the flavors to meld, making it an irresistible side dish perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Serve chilled and enjoy the vibrant taste of summer in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
2 lbs (cooked and cooled)
green bell pepper
1 large (cored and diced small)
Catalina dressing
24 ounces (divided)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
hardboiled eggs
4 (cooled and sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until fully cooled to stop the cooking process.
2
While the pasta is cooking, core and finely dice the green pepper to incorporate a fresh, crunchy texture into the salad.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and diced green peppers.
4
Pour in 16 ounces of Catalina dressing and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. Gently stir the mixture until the pasta and peppers are thoroughly coated. The mixture should achieve a creamy orange consistency.
5
If desired, slice the hardboiled eggs and gently fold them into the pasta mixture to add richness (this step is optional).
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
7
About an hour before serving, add the remaining 8 ounces of Catalina dressing to the salad and stir well to refresh the flavors. You can also add more mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture.
8
Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Catalina Rotini Salad?
It is a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, green bell peppers, and a creamy Catalina dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for rotini pasta, which is excellent for holding onto the creamy dressing.
Is this Catalina Rotini Salad vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How much rotini pasta do I need?
You will need 2 pounds of rotini pasta for this recipe.
What kind of dressing is used in this salad?
The salad uses 24 ounces of Catalina dressing in total, divided during the preparation process.
Do I need to add mayonnaise to the dressing?
Yes, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise is used to create a creamy orange consistency and balance the flavors.
Are eggs required for this recipe?
No, the hardboiled eggs are optional and can be skipped for a more aromatic experience.
How many eggs should I use if I want to include them?
If you choose to include them, the recipe suggests using 4 cooled and sliced hardboiled eggs.
What vegetable provides the crunch in this salad?
One large green bell pepper, cored and diced small, provides a fresh and crunchy texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it the night before to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
How do I prepare the pasta for the salad?
Cook the rotini according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled.
Why do I need to divide the Catalina dressing?
16 ounces are mixed in initially to soak into the pasta, and the remaining 8 ounces are added just before serving to refresh the flavor.
What should the consistency of the dressing look like?
When the dressing and mayonnaise are combined with the pasta, it should achieve a creamy orange consistency.
When should I add the final portion of the dressing?
Add the remaining 8 ounces of Catalina dressing about one hour before you plan to serve the salad.
Can I make the salad creamier?
Yes, you can add more mayonnaise when refreshing the salad before serving if you prefer a creamier texture.
How should the salad be served?
This pasta salad should be served chilled.
Is this a good side dish for a barbecue?
Absolutely, its vibrant taste makes it a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
What is the total amount of dressing used?
The recipe uses a total of 24 ounces of Catalina dressing.
How should I prep the green pepper?
The green pepper should be cored and diced into small pieces.
Can I use other types of bell peppers?
While the recipe calls for green pepper, you could use red or yellow peppers for a different flavor profile.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, the pasta and green bell peppers contribute fiber to the dish.
Is the salad spicy?
No, the Catalina dressing provides a zesty and sweet flavor rather than heat.
How long does it need to refrigerate?
It is best to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, though rotini is recommended, other short pastas like fusilli or penne would also work well.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: rotini, green pepper, Catalina dressing, mayonnaise, and optional eggs.
Should I cover the salad while it sits in the fridge?
Yes, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Does the pasta need to be rinsed?
Yes, rinsing under cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and ensure the pasta is cooled.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe suitable for beginners.
Can I add meat to this salad?
While the base recipe is vegetarian, you could add grilled chicken or ham if desired.
What makes this salad 'zesty'?
The 'zesty' flavor comes primarily from the unique tangy and sweet profile of the Catalina dressing.