The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad

The Perfect Picnic Pasta Salad

Recipe by John Mitzewich from allrecipes.com

Dinner 4 Hr. 45 Mins.

Ingredients

8

8 servings

  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup cider vinegar
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 pound rotini (corkscrew) pasta
  • 1 cup sliced snow peas
  • 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
  • 0.5 cup shelled English peas
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 0.5 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Instructions

  • Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
  • Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
  • Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Per 8 servings

  • Calories: 492
  • Carbohydrate: 51g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Sugar: 5g

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