Description
A vibrant, flavor-packed pasta salad inspired by tropical vibes, featuring rotini pasta, colorful vegetables, savory bacon, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down completely.
3. Dice the red and green bell peppers and the red onion.
4. Chop the green onions and cilantro.
5. Cook and crumble the bacon until crispy.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
7. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the diced vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions and cilantro.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix until evenly coated.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a healthier twist, use gluten-free pasta or swap mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative.
Feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins like grilled chicken or diced pineapple.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: 30