If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s both delicious and versatile, Cellentani Pasta Salad is the perfect choice. With its spiral shape and ridged texture, cellentani pasta holds onto dressings and ingredients beautifully, making it a favorite for summer gatherings, meal prep, or potluck parties.
What is Cellentani Pasta Salad?
Cellentani pasta salad is a cold pasta dish made with spiral-shaped pasta, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing. Its ability to absorb dressings while retaining its shape makes it ideal for a refreshing, hearty salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile and customizable: Mix and match ingredients based on what you have at hand.
- Easy to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Salad
- Cellentani pasta: Perfect for holding dressings and add-ins.
- Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and bell peppers.
- Cheese: Feta, mozzarella pearls, or Parmesan for a creamy touch.
- Dressing: Olive oil-based vinaigrette or creamy options like ranch.
Choosing Fresh Vegetables
Use crisp, vibrant vegetables for the best flavor and texture. Seasonal produce adds an extra burst of freshness.
Picking the Perfect Dressing
- Olive Oil-Based Dressings: Tangy and light, perfect for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Creamy Dressings: Add richness with ranch or Greek yogurt-based options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Cellentani Pasta to Perfection
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, as overcooked pasta may become mushy.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assembling the Ingredients
- Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Crumble or cube cheese and set aside.
Dressing and Tossing the Salad
- Whisk together your chosen dressing.
- Combine pasta, vegetables, and cheese in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Tips for Making the Best Cellentani Pasta Salad
- Avoid Overcooked Pasta: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after boiling.
- Balance Flavors: Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon to enhance taste.
- Enhance with Add-Ons: Consider adding olives, grilled chicken, or roasted nuts.
Variations and Substitutions
- Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh parsley.
- Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free dressing.
- Protein-Packed Salad: Include grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas.
How to Store and Serve Pasta Salad
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving: Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Prepare all components and mix them right before serving for the freshest taste.
Pesto, balsamic vinaigrette, or honey mustard are excellent alternatives.
Use gluten-free cellentani pasta for a gluten-free version.
Related Recipes
Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Looking for a warm vegetarian option? Try Cellentani Pasta in Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce.
Pesto Roasted Vegetable Cellentani
Need a veggie-packed variation? Don’t miss Vibrant Cellentani with Pesto and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables.
Cellentani with Bacon and Ricotta Tomato Sauce
Prefer a richer, indulgent alternative? Check out Cellentani with Bacon and Ricotta Tomato Sauce.
Cellentani Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz cellentani pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup Kalamata olives optional
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, vegetables, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pasta Choice: While cellentani pasta is ideal due to its spiral shape and ridged texture, you can substitute it with rotini, fusilli, or penne if unavailable.
- Dressing Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the olive oil and lemon juice ratio to suit your taste. For a creamier salad, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing.
- Make It Ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead for the best results.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of olive oil or fresh dressing before serving if the salad seems dry.
- Dietary Modifications: To make this recipe vegan, replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or simply omit it. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Additional Add-Ons: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil enhance the flavor and freshness.