Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Coleslaw pasta salad is a delightful fusion dish that combines the creamy texture of coleslaw with the satisfying bite of pasta. This recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional pasta salads, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal. With its colorful array of vegetables and tangy dressing, coleslaw pasta salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why Make Coleslaw Pasta Salad

Coleslaw pasta salad offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and refreshing. The crispness of the coleslaw mix, combined with the chewiness of the pasta, creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Additionally, the tangy and slightly sweet dressing adds a burst of flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly. Making coleslaw pasta salad is also incredibly easy and requires minimal cooking, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

How to Make Coleslaw Pasta Salad

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and rinsed ditalini pasta, coleslaw mix, finely chopped white onion, thinly chopped celery ribs, seeded and finely chopped cucumbers, and chopped green bell pepper. Toss them together until evenly mixed.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the real mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined.
3. Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to become thoroughly chilled.
5. Serve: Once chilled, serve the coleslaw pasta salad and enjoy its delicious flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Coleslaw pasta salad pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It complements grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or fish beautifully and also makes a great addition to any summer barbecue or picnic spread. For a complete meal, consider adding some protein such as grilled shrimp or tofu to the salad or serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.

Storage Info

Leftover coleslaw pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Before serving any leftovers, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure that it remains flavorful and well-coated.

Some Techniques or Tips

• To prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking, rinse it under cold water until cooled before adding it to the salad.
• For extra crunch, you can add some chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to the salad before serving.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less sugar and apple cider vinegar accordingly.

Variation

For a lighter version of coleslaw pasta salad, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing. This swap reduces the overall calorie and fat content of the dish while still providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

FAQs about Coleslaw Pasta Salad

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, coleslaw pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, allowing the salad to chill for a few hours before serving enhances the flavors.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta? While ditalini pasta works well in this recipe, you can use any small pasta shape such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or bowtie pasta if preferred.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the salad? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, or diced bell peppers for added color and flavor. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

For ingredients and comprehensive cooking instructions, please proceed to the next page or click the open button (>)—and be sure to share with your Facebook friends!