Confetti salad

Confetti Pasta Salad: A Colorful and Delicious Twist on a Classic

This recipe is a fun and fresh take on the traditional pasta salad, incorporating spaghetti instead of the usual elbow or rotini pasta.

The long noodles bring a different texture to the salad, adding a little extra fun to each bite.

Combined with the fresh, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this Confetti Salad is a must-try. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this vibrant and flavorful Confetti Pasta Salad:

For the Salad:

1 (16 oz) package spaghetti

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, diced

1 large cucumber, diced

3 stalks celery, diced

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup sour cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, tangy dressing that’s balanced with a slight sweetness from the sugar and a sharp kick from the Worcestershire sauce and mustard.

The vegetables add crunch and freshness, while the spaghetti holds everything together in a satisfying, comforting way.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Confetti Pasta Salad:

1. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth.

The creamy base of mayo and sour cream pairs beautifully with the tang from vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, while the Dijon mustard and sugar add a nice balance of sharpness and sweetness.

2. Cook the Pasta

Break the spaghetti into 1-2 inch segments, and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Once boiling, add the spaghetti pieces and cook them until they are al dente (about 8-10 minutes).

Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside to cool for about 15 minutes.

This cooling step is crucial because it prevents the dressing from being too warm, ensuring the salad doesn’t become too runny.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables. Dice the red pepper, red onion, cucumber, and celery into small pieces. Drain the can of corn, making sure it’s fully drained of any liquid.

The variety of colors and textures from these vegetables adds a fresh crunch to every bite of the salad, and the corn brings a nice burst of sweetness.

4. Combine the Pasta and Vegetables

In a large salad bowl, add the cooled pasta and all of the diced vegetables (red pepper, onion, cucumber, celery, and corn). Stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.

This will ensure that each bite of the salad has a nice balance of pasta and crunchy vegetables.

5. Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss the mixture gently, ensuring that all the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

The dressing should coat everything generously, giving each ingredient that perfect tangy, creamy flavor.

6. Chill the Salad

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling the salad helps the flavors develop and meld together, making it even more delicious.

Plus, it allows the pasta to soak up the dressing and flavors, creating a more cohesive dish.

Tips for Perfecting Confetti Pasta Salad

Pasta Choice: Although spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can also use other types of pasta if you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or bowtie. However, spaghetti provides a fun twist and unique texture compared to traditional pasta salad shapes.

Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day before your event and let it sit in the fridge overnight. The flavors will continue to develop, and the salad will be ready when you are.

Add Protein: Want to make the salad a more substantial dish? Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even bacon bits for a savory protein boost.

Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the tanginess and sweetness of the dressing based on your preferences. If you like a more zesty flavor, add a little extra Dijon mustard or vinegar. For a sweeter taste, you can increase the sugar by a teaspoon.

Vegetable Variations: You can swap or add other vegetables to the salad, such as peas, cherry tomatoes, or carrots. A bit of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro could also add a burst of fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestion: If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider topping the salad with additional grated parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Storage

Confetti Pasta Salad is great for meal prep, leftovers, or making in advance. Here are a few storage tips:

Refrigeration: Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days for maximum freshness, as the dressing may begin to soften the vegetables over time.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze pasta salad, as the dressing can break down upon thawing, and the texture of the vegetables can become soggy. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a few days of preparation.

Serving Suggestions

Confetti Pasta Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Grilled Meats: This salad is perfect with grilled chicken, steak, or even burgers. The creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables complement the smoky flavors of grilled meats.

BBQs and Picnics: The vibrant colors and refreshing taste of Confetti Pasta Salad make it an ideal side dish for a barbecue or picnic. It pairs wonderfully with grilled sausages, ribs, or veggie skewers.

Sandwiches: Serve this salad alongside sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a complete meal. It’s a great addition to a lunch or dinner table.

Vegetarian Main Course: For a lighter, vegetarian meal, serve the Confetti Salad with a simple roasted vegetable dish or a veggie burger. The salad is satisfying enough on its own but also makes a great side to any vegetarian or plant-based main course.

Conclusion

Confetti Pasta Salad is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that will be the highlight of any table. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a picnic, or simply preparing a meal for the week, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its versatility allows for endless customization, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and dressing to suit your tastes. With its colorful presentation and balanced flavors, this Confetti Pasta Salad is a dish everyone will remember.