When it comes to pasta salads, the Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad stands out as a truly remarkable dish. This salad is a perfect blend of vibrant vegetables, creamy cheese, and the signature Salad Supreme Seasoning. It’s ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple family meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it the go-to dish for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The zesty Italian dressing adds an irresistible zing, and the rotini pasta perfectly catches all those amazing flavors.
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Why This Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
This salad offers the ultimate combination of flavors, textures, and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a side dish for a weeknight dinner, Salad Supreme Pasta Salad fits the bill. It’s quick, healthy, and versatile enough for any occasion. With the perfect balance of crunchy vegetables and creamy cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The addition of McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning is what truly elevates the dish, bringing bold and zesty flavors to the table.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Salad Supreme Pasta Salad are simple but pack a punch when combined. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
• Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta shape is perfect for holding the creamy dressing and flavorful ingredients, giving you a hearty bite every time.
• Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes bring a pop of color and flavor.
• Carrots: Chopped carrots provide a slightly sweet crunch that complements the other ingredients.
• Red Onion: Red onion adds a bit of sharpness and color to the salad.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Sweet and colorful, bell peppers add a vibrant crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan sticks to the pasta and infuses it with a rich, nutty flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Cubed mozzarella adds creaminess and texture, balancing the sharpness of the other ingredients.
• McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning: The key to this recipe, this seasoning blend is full of savory flavors, including paprika, sesame seed, and garlic.
• Zesty Italian Dressing: Adds tang and zest, making this salad burst with flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
For those with dietary preferences or ingredient availability issues, here are some swaps you can make:
• Vegetables: You can easily swap out ingredients like red onion or bell pepper. Consider adding roasted red peppers, olives, or even fresh broccoli for more flavor.
• Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, try fresh mozzarella or sharp cheddar.
• Meat: Although this recipe is vegetarian, you can add sliced pepperoni or salami for a meaty twist.
• Dressing: If you don’t have Zesty Italian dressing, you can substitute with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta: Any other pasta shape will work, such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps:
- Boil the Rotini Pasta: Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is boiling, chop the cucumber, slice the grape tomatoes, and chop the carrots, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Cool the Pasta: After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down. This will prevent it from cooking further and ensure it’s perfect for the salad.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add Dressing and Seasoning: Pour the Zesty Italian dressing and McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning over the pasta and vegetables. Stir everything together until well-coated.
- Optional Resting Time: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, serve your Salad Supreme Pasta Salad at your next gathering or enjoy it as a delicious side dish.
Tips & Tricks
To get the most out of your Salad Supreme Pasta Salad, here are a few expert tips:
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance for the best flavor. This allows the dressing and seasoning to fully soak into the pasta and vegetables.
• Keep the Veggies Crunchy: For longer-lasting crunch, remove the seeds from the cucumber before adding it to the salad.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture and to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite even more flavorful.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This zesty pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
• Grilled Meats: Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a complete meal.
• Other Side Dishes: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
The Health Benefits of Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad
Besides being delicious and easy to prepare, this pasta salad offers a range of health benefits thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients. The fresh vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the pasta offers a satisfying source of energy. The addition of cheese offers calcium and protein, making this a well-rounded dish.
This Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also an adaptable and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal or a dish for a large gathering, this pasta salad is sure to impress. With its zesty flavor, vibrant colors, and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder why this recipe is so popular!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that combines vibrant vegetables, creamy cheeses, and the zesty kick of Italian dressing and Salad Supreme Seasoning. Perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, this pasta salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its fresh flavors and simple preparation ensure that it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your cooking repertoire. So why wait? Whip up this delicious, refreshing Salad Supreme Pasta Salad today and watch it become the star of your next meal!
FAQ
1. Can I make Salad Supreme Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making this salad ahead of time is highly recommended. Preparing it a day before allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.
2. What can I use if I don’t have McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning?
If you don’t have McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning, you can make your own seasoning blend by combining paprika, sesame seeds, celery seed, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste. Alternatively, you can use any other seasoning mix you like for pasta salads, such as Italian seasoning or ranch seasoning.
3. How long can I store Salad Supreme Pasta Salad in the refrigerator?
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. However, keep in mind that the vegetables may lose some of their crispness over time. To extend its freshness, make sure to store it in an airtight container.
More Relevant Recipes
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Zesty Salad Supreme Pasta Salad:
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salad Supreme Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring rotini pasta, colorful vegetables, creamy cheese, and a tangy zesty Italian dressing. This crowd-pleasing recipe is easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, and casual weeknight meals. The McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning adds the perfect burst of flavor that elevates this simple dish into something special.
Ingredients
- 1 lb rotini pasta
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2/3 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 tbsp McCormick Salad Supreme Seasoning
- 1 cup zesty Italian dressing
Instructions
- Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions.
- Chop the vegetables: cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, onion, and bell pepper.
- After boiling, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add the zesty Italian dressing and Salad Supreme Seasoning. Mix well to combine.
- Optional: Let the salad cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, make this salad a day ahead to allow the ingredients to marinate in the dressing.
- Use rotini pasta for the best texture and flavor absorption, but you can also substitute with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne.
- Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing with the vegetables to prevent the cheese from melting.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
