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Kid-Approved Creamy July 4th Pasta Salad

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A creamy, colorful pasta salad perfect for summer parties, loved by kids and adults alike. Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a tangy, creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta (about 340 grams)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup sweet corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water well. Optionally, use a salad spinner to remove extra moisture.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop ½ cup red bell pepper, shred ½ cup carrots, and prepare ½ cup corn kernels.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, ½ cup sharp cheddar, and ½ cup mozzarella. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the tomatoes.
  6. Chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil and sprinkle on top. Toss lightly just before serving.
  7. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. If short on time, 30 minutes will suffice.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a final stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse under cold water to prevent mushiness. Whisk dressing until smooth and taste to adjust sweetness or tang. Toss gently to avoid crushing tomatoes. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For vegan, substitute mayo and cheese with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, summer salad, kid-friendly salad, July 4th recipe, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, barbecue side dish

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/kid-approved-creamy-july-4th-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-for-summer-parties/