Sweet Pasta Salad
Brighten up your table with this Sweet Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of tender rotini pasta and a colorful medley of fresh and canned fruits. With juicy pineapple chunks, sweet mandarin oranges, halved grapes, crisp apples, and vibrant strawberries, every bite is bursting with natural sweetness and refreshing flavors. Tossed in a creamy yogurt-based dressing sweetened with honey, infused with orange juice, and speckled with poppy seeds, this no-fuss recipe is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh mint, this salad is not only a unique addition to potlucks and picnics but also a wholesome, family-friendly option for weeknight meals. Enjoy a harmonious balance of creamy, fruity, and zesty in every spoonful of this easy sweet pasta salad!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned, in juice)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes (halved)
- 1 cup strawberries (sliced)
- 1 medium apple (diced, skin-on)
- 1 cup mandarin oranges (canned, drained)
- 0.5 cup yogurt (vanilla or plain)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 3 sprigs mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
While the pasta is cooling, prepare the fruits. Halve the grapes, slice the strawberries, dice the apple (leave the skin on for texture), and drain the canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pineapple chunks, halved grapes, sliced strawberries, diced apple, and mandarin oranges. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, and orange juice until smooth. Stir in the poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and fruit mixture. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve chilled and enjoy your sweet pasta salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1696 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.4 g | 15% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 96 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 363.0 g | 132% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.9 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 153.9 g | ||
| Protein | 43.2 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 497 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 2088 mg | 44% | |
*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.
