Delicious Cavatappi Pasta Salad Supreme – Perfect for Any Occasion!
The delightful world of pasta salads with our Cavatappi Pasta Salad Supreme! This dish combines the spiral elegance of cavatappi pasta with a medley of vibrant ingredients, creating a visually appealing and scrumptious salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a nutritious family meal, this recipe is a surefire way to impress. Its creamy dressing and rich cheese crumbles add a luxurious touch to the fresh vegetables and savory ham, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
4
servings15
minutes371
kcal2
hours2
hours25
minutesDive into the delightful world of pasta salads with our Cavatappi Pasta Salad Supreme! This dish combines the spiral elegance of cavatappi pasta with a medley of vibrant ingredients, creating a visually appealing and scrumptious salad. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a nutritious family meal, this recipe is a surefire way to impress. Its creamy dressing and rich cheese crumbles add a luxurious touch to the fresh vegetables and savory ham, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
Ingredients
- Pasta Base
12 ounces cavatappi pasta cooked and drained
- Vegetables and Protein
1 medium red onion thinly sliced
1 cup green peas thawed if frozen
8 ounces smoked ham diced
- Dressing and Toppings
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup mixed cheese crumbles (cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Alternative Ingredients
Whole wheat cavatappi for a healthier option (replaces regular cavatappi pasta)
Greek yogurt mixed with herbs instead of ranch dressing (replaces ranch dressing)
Turkey ham as a lower-fat alternative (replaces smoked ham)
Vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheese (for a vegan version)
Directions
- Layering Ingredients – In a clear 3-quart serving bowl, start by layering the cooked cavatappi pasta followed by the sliced red onion, green peas, and diced smoked ham.
- Preparing Dressing – In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until smooth. Gently spread this mixture over the layered salad to create a seal.
- Final Touches – Sprinkle the mixed cheese crumbles evenly over the top followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Chilling – Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serving – Before serving, toss the salad gently to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- colander
- chef's knife
- cutting board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 371kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
- Sodium: 419mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 2mg
