Want to be the talk of your next picnic? Take a big tub of this gorgeous Summer Rainbow Pasta Salad and you will be my friend! Crammed full of healthy vegetables and a dressing that packs a serious flavour punch, this sensational Summer dish not only looks the part but tastes it too. You need this in your next picnic hamper, trust me…
Here is what you will need to serve 5-6
(Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy)
- 225g Ditali Pasta *
- 1 Red Pepper, Deseeded & Finely Chopped
- 150g Sweetcorn
- 1 Carrot, Peeled & Grated
- 1 Stick Celery, Finely Chopped
- 1/2 Red Onion, Peeled & Finely Diced
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, Finely Chopped
- 90g Mayonnaise
- 120ml Sour Cream
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Honey Mustard
- Salt & Pepper
*You can use whatever pasta you like/have in the cupboard.
Essential Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
Summer Rainbow Pasta Salad Recipe
Firstly, in a large pan of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions.
Meanwhile, if you haven’t already, prepare all your vegetables and herbs. (Peel, grate, chop etc.) Then place them all into a large mixing bowl. If you like, save a little of each one to scatter over the top when you serve. (This makes it look super inviting and colourful!)
When the pasta is cooked, drain, rinse in cold water then drain again.
Next, let’s make the dressing.
In a little bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, red wine vinegar, honey mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Then realise that you haven’t put the vegetables in a large enough bowl, change it to a bigger one and stir through the cooked pasta.
Finally pour over all that lovely dressing and give it a really good mix to ensure everything is nicely coated.
Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. (You can make this up to 24 hours in advance.) Then when you are ready to eat, scatter over any reserved vegetables you saved and tuck in! Refrigerate and consume any leftovers within 2 days.
You can’t tell me that doesn’t look inviting, this Rainbow Pasta Salad is like Summer in a bowl! This is sure to be a hit at your next picnic. It may surprise you, but even fussy eaters might like this one. The dressing is quite strong and masks the individual tastes of the vegetables well. If you chop everything finely, skip scattering the vegetables on top and just mix it all in, I bet you they won’t even realise how much good stuff they’re eating! Trust me, I’m a fussy eater too.
I hope you enjoyed the post my lovelies, until next time.
Miss KitchenMason
Liked this post? You’ll love my Tomato & Mascarpone Risotto.
Nanette Tunnicliffe
Wednesday 7th of November 2018
Prepared this for a special luncheon for forty yesterday - a huge success. One of the nicer pasta salads I’ve had. Made it the day before and the vegetables were still super crunchy and flavoursome the next day. Thank you!
Miss KitchenMason
Wednesday 7th of November 2018
Aww that’s amazing Nanette! So pleased you like my recipe and it went down well at the party. Thank you SO much for sharing this with me you’ve made my day :) Emma x
Jacqueline
Sunday 28th of October 2018
Just made this to bring to a Halloween supper this evening. Tried a couple of spoonfuls - it’s absolutely delicious! Thank you once again. I’m sure it will go down very well.
Miss KitchenMason
Sunday 28th of October 2018
Hi Jacqueline. Aww you're very welcome! I'm so glad you like it :) Emma x
Karly
Friday 28th of July 2017
Pasta salad is my ultimate summer obsession. Every style, every way, every day. Totally loving this!
Miss KitchenMason
Friday 28th of July 2017
Thanks Karly! I love pasta salads too :)