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–+ servings
Summer Penne Salad

Bright and Creamy Summer Penne Salad That Steals the Show

This Summer Penne Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish perfect for gatherings and picnics.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Penne pasta Cook until al dente
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Substitute with Greek yogurt for lighter version
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream Can be replaced with plant-based sour cream
  • 1 tbsp Prepared mustard Dijon or yellow mustard works best
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Omit for dairy-free or use nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp Dried dill weed Fresh dill can be used for a brighter flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Soaking in cold water softens its bite
  • 1 medium Yellow bell pepper Brings sweetness
  • 1 medium Orange bell pepper Enhances visual appeal
For the Toppings (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumbled, or use a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Adds sweetness and freshness
  • 1/2 cup Cooked bacon bits Or opt for plant-based proteins like chickpeas

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Colander
  • plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 11 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, prepared mustard, and grated Parmesan until smooth. Stir in dill weed, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the dressing, fold in red onion, yellow bell pepper, and orange bell pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld, or overnight for better results.
  5. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ideal for meal prep, make it 1-2 days in advance.

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