Patriotic Pasta

4.6
(23)

A popular side dish for our Independence Day menu, this hearty pasta salad is practically a meal in itself. It fit into our theme with the bright red cherry tomatoes, white noodles and cauliflower plus blue cheese. The creamy dressing is pleasantly zesty. -Laurie Neverman, Green Bay, Wisconsin

2
Prep Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings

Ingredients

DRESSING:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

  • 1 ½ teaspoons milk

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon white vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

  • ½ teaspoon honey mustard

  • teaspoon cayenne pepper

SALAD:

  • 2 ½ cups uncooked penne or medium tube pasta

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • ¾ teaspoon minced fresh basil

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 ½ cups fresh cauliflowerets

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 3 green onions, chopped

  • ¼ cup chopped sweet red pepper

  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1 inch strips

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients; set aside. Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain. Transfer to a large bowl.

  2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute garlic and basil in oil until garlic is tender. Pour over pasta. Add the cauliflower, tomatoes, green onions, red pepper, cheese and dressing; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Tips

As a substitute for honey mustard, combine ? tablespoons Dijon mustard and ? tablespoons honey.