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Mardi Gras Pasta Salad

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad: A Festive, Quick Delight for Gatherings

Mardi Gras Pasta Salad is a vibrant and quick dish perfect for gatherings, combining delightful flavors and colorful ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 1 pound spiral pasta any short pasta can be swapped in
For the Crunch
  • 2 cups shredded purple cabbage green cabbage is a lighter alternative
  • 1 cup whole kernel corn fresh, frozen, or canned (rinse if canned)
  • ½ cup finely chopped green onions chives work beautifully as a substitute
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons butter olive oil is a perfect dairy-free switch
  • ½ cup mayonnaise adjust the amount for desired creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon-styled mustard yellow mustard can easily take its place
  • ½ teaspoon dried leaf basil fresh basil can elevate the flavor
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 pound of spiral pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and allow it to cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until bubbly. Add 1 cup of whole kernel corn to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, sautéed corn, ½ cup of shredded purple cabbage, and ½ cup of finely chopped green onions. Gently fold these ingredients together using a spatula.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon-styled mustard, and ½ teaspoon of dried leaf basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until well-coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to let flavors marinate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow your Mardi Gras Pasta Salad to marinate in the fridge for at least one hour for enhanced flavors. Customize with vegetables or proteins like bell peppers or diced chicken as desired. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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