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Fresh Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad

Fresh Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant, creamy, and refreshing pasta salad featuring beet juice for a stunning pink color, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh beet juice (100% beet juice)
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese, well-drained
  • 1/2 cup plain mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or ham, 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. If using fresh beets, peel and chop one medium beet. Juice it using a juicer or blend with 1/4 cup water and strain through a fine mesh to get about 1/4 cup of beet juice.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the drained cottage cheese, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and beet juice until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Finely dice the red onion, celery, and green bell pepper if using. Chop the fresh dill.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and dressing. Toss gently until pasta is evenly coated. Fold in any optional protein or nuts if desired.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent mushiness. Drain cottage cheese well to avoid runny dressing. Beet juice can stain, so use gloves and clean carefully. For creamier dressing, blend avocado into the dressing. Salad tastes better after chilling at least 1 hour or overnight. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free substitutes to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, pink pasta salad, beet juice pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad, dairy-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/fresh-pink-cadillac-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-summer-side-dish/