Zesty Garden Pasta Delight
This vibrant and refreshing pasta salad is a delightful combination of flavors and colors that is perfect for a sun-soaked Sunday lunch. With a base of shell macaroni mixed with garden-fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, and a sprinkle of Italian cheese, this dish brings a burst of zest to the table. The addition of Lite Zesty Italian Dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it a light yet satisfying one-dish meal. It's quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress your family and friends, leaving you with no leftovers to worry about!
4
Servings
180
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
shell macaroni
2 cups (cooked according to package directions and drained well)
frozen peas
1 cup (thawed)
carrot
1/4 cup (finely grated)
onion
1/4 cup (finely grated or 1/2 cup chopped green onion)
raisins
1/2 cup (optional, for sweetness)
tomatoes
2 medium (chopped)
Italian cheese
1/4 cup (finely grated)
Lite Zesty Italian Dressing
to taste (to mix with the salad)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the shell macaroni. Cook according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well and set aside to cool.
2
In a large bowl, combine the thawed peas, grated carrot, grated onion, raisins (if using), chopped tomatoes, and grated Italian cheese.
3
Add the cooked macaroni to the vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
4
Drizzle the Lite Zesty Italian Dressing over the pasta salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste. Toss again until everything is well coated.
5
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
27.5g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
3g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Garden Pasta Delight?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad combining shell macaroni, garden-fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, and Italian cheese with a zesty dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shell macaroni.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 27.5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this pasta salad?
There are 6.25g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 3g of fiber.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 3g of sugar per serving.
What dressing is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses Lite Zesty Italian Dressing.
Are the raisins a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 cup of raisins is optional for those who want added sweetness.
Can I use green onions instead of regular onion?
Yes, you can substitute the grated onion with 1/2 cup of chopped green onion.
How should I prepare the peas?
The frozen peas should be thawed before being added to the salad.
What type of cheese is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of finely grated Italian cheese.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
The shell macaroni should be cooked until al dente, drained well, and cooled.
Can this be served as a full meal?
Yes, it is described as a light yet satisfying one-dish meal.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be finely grated.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium tomatoes, chopped.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an easy recipe.
What makes the salad 'zesty'?
The use of Lite Zesty Italian Dressing provides the signature zesty flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this dish good for a summer lunch?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing choice perfect for a sun-soaked Sunday lunch.
How do I apply the dressing to the pasta?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad starting with a small amount and toss until everything is well coated.
What color profile does the salad have?
It is a vibrant combination of colors thanks to the variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and tomatoes.
How much Italian cheese should I use?
Use 1/4 cup of finely grated Italian cheese.
Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, chilling it for 30 minutes before serving is actually recommended to enhance the flavors.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 4 servings, though specific serving size in weight is not provided.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish is vibrant and refreshing with a mix of soft pasta and crunchy garden-fresh vegetables.