Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Cheddar

Recipe Collection: Salads

Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Cheddar elevates your meal with a vegetarian dish bursting with fresh flavors and textures. This Italian-inspired salad features tender steamed broccoli and cauliflower, crunchy cucumbers, and sharp Cheddar cheese, all tossed in a tangy Italian dressing. Perfect as a main course or a side, this recipe is gluten-free and dairy-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

With easyChef Pro, you can effortlessly select this recipe and explore countless others. Enjoy personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list to streamline your meal prep. Get started today and create a delicious dish with ease!

Overview

This Zesty Italian Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is elevated with the addition of sharp Cheddar cheese, making it a delightful and satisfying meal or side dish.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy, Gluten

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 7

Cooking Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Cup fresh broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 Cup fresh cauliflower florets, steamed
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) butter, melted
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) salt
• 32 Ounces (oz) seashell pasta, drained
• 16 Ounces (oz) Italian-style salad dressing
• 1 Cup carrots, shredded
• 2 Whole cucumbers, diced
• 3 Whole tomatoes, diced
• 8 Ounces (oz) Cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps

1. Steam the broccoli and cauliflower florets until they are tender but still vibrant. Transfer them to a large bowl and toss with melted butter and salt to enhance their flavor.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the seashell pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prevent it from becoming soggy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot pasta with the Italian dressing, ensuring the pasta absorbs the dressing's flavors. Add the shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and the steamed broccoli and cauliflower. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. After chilling, stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese. Return the salad to the refrigerator for an additional 30 to 45 minutes to let the cheese incorporate into the salad.
6. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Enjoy this refreshing and zesty pasta salad as a main dish or a side.

Enjoy your homemade Vibrant Italian Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Cheddar!