Got a fridge full of odds and ends? This Irresistible Sweep The Kitchen Pasta Salad is the perfect way to use them up. It’s a versatile, colorful dish that brings together the best of whatever you have on hand, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, this recipe turns leftovers into a culinary masterpiece.
Steps
- Prepare 8 oz. of pasta by cooking it according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to cool it down. Ensure the pasta is well-drained.
- While the pasta is cooking, finely chop one crown of broccoli, drain a 2.25 oz. can of sliced olives, and roughly chop 1/4 cup of sun-dried tomatoes. Crumble 2 oz. of feta cheese.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, chopped broccoli, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour approximately 1/3 cup of your preferred Italian dressing over the salad ingredients. Stir everything together until well-mixed and the ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
- You can serve the pasta salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days for future meals. Enjoy as a quick meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. pasta (any shape)
- 1 broccoli crown (approximately 1/2 lb.)
- 2.25 oz. can of sliced olives
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1534.41 kcal | Carbohydrates: 218.49 g | Protein: 50.79 g | Fat: 58.29 g | Sodium: 3088.29 mg | Fiber: 24 g
FAQ
- What can I add to my pasta salad to make it more filling?
- You can enhance your pasta salad by adding proteins such as diced or shredded chicken, pepperoni, deli meats, hard-boiled eggs, or beans like chickpeas and kidney beans. These additions will make your salad more filling and satisfying.
- Are there any alternative dressings I can use for my pasta salad?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with different dressings like champagne vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, a non-creamy Caesar dressing, or a tomato basil vinaigrette to give your salad a unique flavor.
- How long can I store pasta salad in the refrigerator?
- Pasta salad can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days. It’s a great option for meal prep since it holds up well, and even ingredients like fresh spinach tend to remain fresh without wilting.
- Can I make pasta salad without cooking the dressing from scratch?
- Yes, you can use store-bought dressings for convenience. Brands like Girard’s or Ken’s Steak House offer good flavor options at a reasonable price, making it easy to assemble your pasta salad without making dressing from scratch.
Tips
- Customize Your Pasta Salad: Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. Consider adding proteins like shredded chicken or beans, cheeses such as goat or blue cheese, and a variety of vegetables like roasted red peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Meal Prep for the Week: Pasta salads store well in the refrigerator, making them ideal for meal prepping. They can last up to 4-5 days, providing a ready-to-eat meal option that saves time during busy weeks.
- Enhance the Flavor with Different Dressings: Try experimenting with different salad dressings to change up the taste. Options like balsamic vinaigrette or Caesar dressing can bring a new dimension to your pasta salad.
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: To maintain the ideal texture in your salad, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente. After cooking, rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and keep it firm.
Equipment
- Colander – for draining pasta.
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all the ingredients.
- Chef’s knife – for chopping broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cutting board – for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
