Coleslaw Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Favorite
When it comes to potluck gatherings, BBQs, or any outdoor summer celebration, having a crowd-pleasing side dish in your culinary arsenal is essential. Enter Coleslaw Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of two beloved classics – coleslaw and pasta salad. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and tangy dressing, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight at any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light meal on its own, this recipe is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 16oz. box ditalini pasta, cooked and rinsed
- 1 16oz. bag coleslaw mix
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, thinly chopped
- 2 medium cucumbers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped small
Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups real mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the ditalini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, finely chopped onion, thinly chopped celery ribs, finely chopped cucumbers, and chopped green bell pepper.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the real mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and vegetables. Stir gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked and rinsed ditalini pasta to the bowl with the coleslaw mix and dressing. Gently toss until everything is well combined.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Coleslaw Pasta Salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Protein: For a heartier version, add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked shrimp to the salad.
- Extra Crunch: Boost the texture by incorporating toasted nuts or seeds such as slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the ditalini pasta with cooked and cooled cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles to keep the carb count low.
- Substitute the sugar in the dressing with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Opt for a low-carb coleslaw mix or make your own by shredding cabbage, carrots, and other low-carb vegetables.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a low-carb pasta alternative like chickpea pasta or lentil pasta in place of ditalini pasta.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a lower-carb option.
- Increase the ratio of vegetables to pasta to further reduce the overall carb content of the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make Coleslaw Pasta Salad ahead of time? Yes, Coleslaw Pasta Salad is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the salad as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
2. Can I customize the vegetables in this salad? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s available. Broccoli florets, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, or diced bell peppers would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
3. Is there a dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise for the dressing? Yes, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute such as avocado mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise if you prefer.
4. Can I add fresh herbs to the salad? Certainly! Chopped fresh parsley, dill, cilantro, or basil would all add a burst of freshness and flavor to the salad.
Coleslaw Pasta Salad is the epitome of summer in a bowl – vibrant, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, packing a picnic, or simply craving a light and satisfying dish, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its customizable ingredients, make-ahead convenience, and delicious taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, whip up a batch, chill it to perfection, and get ready to savor every bite of this delightful Coleslaw Pasta Salad!
