It may look like a sad little package shoved in the back of your freezer, but frozen spinach actually has a lot of culinary uses (and some may surprise you).
Cheddar Pasta Salad
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Whether you are looking for an easy pasta salad for a weeknight dinner, or you are wanting to impress your guests at a summer BBQ, this recipe will certainly do the trick.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
1 review
ingredients
1 cup shell or elbow macaroni pasta
3/4 cup cubed Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon
directions
Prepare the pasta as directed on the package. Rinse with cold water and drain well.
Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add the cheese, peas, and onion. Mix well.
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, and salt. Mix well then stir into the pasta mixture. Stir the bacon into the pasta.
Cover the bowl and chill for 4-8 hours before serving. Can be made up to 1 day in advance. Stir before serving, adding additional milk if the pasta is too dry.
recipe tips
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.
Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a tangy flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.
If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream.
For a crunchier texture, add chopped celery or nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Try different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper.
If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a little more milk or mayonnaise before serving.
Adjust the seasoning if needed after chilling the pasta salad.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or bow ties work well in this recipe.
Is there a substitute for Cheddar cheese?
You can use any firm cheese like Colby, Monterey Jack, or Gouda.
Can I make this salad without bacon for a vegetarian version?
Yes, omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
How do I know when the pasta is cooked correctly for a salad?
The pasta should be cooked to al dente, so it's tender but still firm to the bite. It will soften more as it absorbs the dressing while it's chilling.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas, just blanch them briefly before adding.
Is this dish suitable for outdoor events like picnics?
Yes, it's a great choice for picnics or BBQs, but keep it chilled since it contains dairy products.
nutrition data
196 calories, 15 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
May 19, 2022
Very easy to put together and we loved it. I put it in a favorites list. Thank you for sharing this recipe.