Budget Pasta Salad
Whip up a quick, flavorful, and wallet-friendly dish with this Budget Pasta Salad, a perfect recipe for those seeking a delicious meal on a dime. Made with tender pasta, a creamy yet zesty dressing of mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice, and loaded with vibrant mixed vegetables, this simple salad comes together in just 25 minutes. A sprinkle of parsley and optional shredded cheese adds the perfect finishing touch, ensuring a fresh and satisfying bite every time. Ideal as a chilled side dish or light main course, this versatile pasta salad is not only easy to prepare but also great for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekday lunches, it's the ultimate combination of affordability and crowd-pleasing flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (elbows, shells, or rotini)
- 100 grams mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
- 200 grams frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh or dried)
- 50 grams shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the pasta cooks, microwave or steam the frozen mixed vegetables until tender-crisp. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard (if using), salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl, followed by the mixed vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle parsley and shredded cheese (if using) over the top, and gently mix to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or an extra spoonful of mayonnaise.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold as a side dish or light main course. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1792 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 119.4 g | 153% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.2 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 152 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 3042 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.3 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.6 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 35.3 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 686 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
