Patriotic Pasta Salad 🇺🇸🍝

Celebrate any gathering or holiday with this vibrant and delicious Patriotic Pasta Salad! It's not only visually appealing with its red, white, and blue colors, but it's also a tasty combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or festive events, this dish can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it as a standalone dish for a light meal!

Ingredients

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon honey mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the salad

• 2 1/2 cups uncooked penne or medium tube pasta
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cauliflower florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.

2. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Once done, rinse under cold water and drain thoroughly.

3. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and basil, sautéing until the garlic is tender and fragrant.

⚠️ Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning! Burnt garlic can turn bitter, affecting the taste of your dish.

4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed garlic and basil, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, green onions, sweet red pepper, mozzarella, and the prepared dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

5. Chill: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to get creative and toss in any of your favorite seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for extra crunch!

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier salad, turning it into a complete meal. 🍗🍽️

• Vegan option: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, and use a cashew cheese instead of blue cheese for a creamy, dairy-free dressing.

• Make it spicy: If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick! 🌶️

With its colorful presentation and a delicious mix of flavors, this Patriotic Pasta Salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser wherever you go! 🎉