Zesty Tri-Colored Pasta Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
This delightful pasta salad captures the essence of summer with its vibrant colors and zesty flavors. Inspired by the classic McCormick Pasta Salad Vinaigrette, this recipe combines the unique flavors of seasoned pepper, garlic, and Italian herbs. Featuring tri-colored rotini pasta, a medley of fresh raw vegetables, and optional cubes of sharp cheddar for an extra punch, this dish is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side at any meal. Tossed in a robust homemade vinaigrette, this salad is sure to wow your guests and bring back the nostalgic tastes of the past, all in one bowl.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil or olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
white vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
McCormick seasoned pepper
1 1/2-2 teaspoons (none)
McCormick garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
McCormick Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
McCormick onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
McCormick basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon (none)
McCormick dill weed
1/4 teaspoon (none)
rotini pasta
8 ounces (cooked and cooled)
raw vegetables
2 cups (chopped (e.g., bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes))
cut up pepperoni
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water until cool, and thoroughly drain again.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable or olive oil, white vinegar, and all the seasonings — McCormick seasoned pepper, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, sugar, onion powder, basil leaves, and dill weed — until well combined and emulsified.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped raw vegetables (such as bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes), and cut-up pepperoni. If you desire, add cubes of cheddar cheese for added texture and flavor.
4
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables, and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
11g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Tri-Colored Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant summer salad featuring tri-colored rotini, fresh vegetables, and pepperoni tossed in a robust homemade vinaigrette.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of tri-colored rotini pasta for its color and texture.
How do I prepare the pasta for the salad?
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain it, and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
What are the ingredients for the homemade vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette includes oil, white vinegar, seasoned pepper, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, sugar, onion powder, basil, and dill.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use either vegetable oil or olive oil based on your personal preference.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends white vinegar for a sharp, clean zesty flavor.
Which McCormick spices are used in the dressing?
The recipe uses McCormick seasoned pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, basil leaves, and dill weed.
How much seasoned pepper is needed?
You should use between 1.5 and 2 teaspoons of McCormick seasoned pepper depending on your taste.
Is there sugar in the pasta salad dressing?
Yes, one teaspoon of sugar is added to the vinaigrette to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What vegetables go best in this salad?
Common choices include bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, totaling about 2 cups of chopped raw vegetables.
Can I add cheese to this pasta salad?
Yes, adding cubes of sharp cheddar cheese is a recommended optional addition for extra flavor and texture.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific brand?
Yes, it is inspired by the classic McCormick Pasta Salad Vinaigrette flavor profile.
How much pepperoni does the recipe require?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cut-up pepperoni.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
For the best results, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 133 calories in one serving of this pasta salad.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains about 10 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This pasta salad contains approximately 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the salad?
Each serving provides about 3 grams of protein.
Should I toss the salad before serving?
Yes, give it a gentle toss right before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for picnics and barbecues?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a refreshing side dish perfect for outdoor gatherings and parties.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of McCormick dried herbs?
While the recipe specifies dried McCormick spices for convenience and flavor consistency, fresh herbs can be used at a 3-to-1 ratio.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
The recipe utilizes 13 distinct ingredients including the pasta, vegetables, meat, and dressing components.
Is the pasta salad served cold?
Yes, it is served chilled for the best flavor experience.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the pepperoni to create a delicious vegetarian pasta salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Does the recipe include onion?
It uses half a teaspoon of McCormick onion powder to provide flavor without the texture of raw onions.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy salad option due to the abundance of raw vegetables and light vinaigrette.
What is the preparation level for this dish?
This is an easy-to-make recipe that requires basic boiling and mixing skills.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is preferred for holding dressing, you can substitute it with penne or fusilli if necessary.
Why should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing prevents the pasta from overcooking and ensures it is the right temperature for a cold salad immediately.