Servings: 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 2/3 cup Rotini noodles
- 1/2 cup Frozen mixed vegetables
- 1/4 cup Grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Chopped basil or parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cook the rotini noodles in a pot of boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them with cold water. Drain well to remove excess water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, frozen mixed vegetables, and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, chopped basil or parsley, and dried oregano until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing pasta salad or refrigerate for a while to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Enjoy this simple and tasty pasta salad as a side dish or light lunch option! You can also add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, black olives, or grilled chicken for more variations.
Here’s a breakdown of the main components of the recipe:
1. Rotini Noodles: Rotini is a spiral-shaped pasta that holds the sauce and ingredients well. It’s commonly used in pasta salads because of its texture and ability to absorb flavors.
2. Mixed Vegetables: The recipe calls for frozen mixed vegetables, which typically include a combination of carrots, green beans, peas, and corn. These add color, texture, and a variety of nutrients to the salad.
3. Mozzarella Cheese: Grated mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and a mild, milky flavor to the salad.
4. Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise acts as a creamy dressing that binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
5. Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh basil or parsley provides a burst of fresh herb flavor and enhances the overall taste.
6. Dried Oregano: Oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a savory, aromatic note to the salad.
7.Versatility: One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. For example, you can use whole wheat rotini or gluten-free pasta to make it a healthier option. Additionally, you can swap the mozzarella cheese for other types of cheese like feta or cheddar for different flavors.
8.Texture: The combination of rotini noodles and mixed vegetables provides a nice balance of textures. The spiral-shaped rotini holds the dressing well and offers a satisfying chew, while the mixed vegetables add a crunchy element to the salad.
9.Make-Ahead Option: This pasta salad is ideal for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a few hours before serving or even the night before. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve and give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
As with any pasta salad recipe, there’s plenty of room for customization and variations. You can add more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumber, to give the salad extra freshness and crunch. Additionally, you can experiment with different dressings, such as vinaigrettes or flavored mayonnaise, to suit your taste preferences.
This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or a light lunch option. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, and gatherings as it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. The creamy and flavorful combination of ingredients makes it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
