sweet pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
sweet pasta salad recipe
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The Best sweet pasta salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this sweet pasta salad recipe with you all! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even just a quick weeknight dinner. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal cooking time. Just toss all the ingredients together and you’re good to go! My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they always ask for this recipe. It’s also a great way to get them to eat more veggies – who doesn’t love a good pasta salad?

The combination of sweet and savory flavors is just right, and the textures are amazing. I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a side dish for BBQs. Everyone loves it! It’s also super healthy, packed with fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

I feel good about serving it to my family. I’ve tried many different variations over the years, but this one remains my favorite. It’s just the right size for our family of four, and we always have leftovers for lunch the next day. I’ve even made it for special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, that’s for sure! The best part? It’s so versatile – you can customize it to your taste with your favorite fruits, nuts, and cheeses. I’ve added everything from dried cranberries to chopped pecans to shredded cheddar cheese.

The possibilities are endless! So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than this sweet pasta salad.

Sweet Pasta Salad

Sweet Pasta Salad

4.9 from 1379 votes

A delightful twist on traditional pasta salad, this sweet version features tender pasta tossed with juicy fruits and a creamy, sweet dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a refreshing side dish, it balances sweetness with a hint of tanginess.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Dressing

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Salad

1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1 cup halved red grapes
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 green onions, thinly sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta, then cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
4While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by combining Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and salt in a small bowl.
5Whisk until smooth and well blended, then set aside.
6In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced pineapple, halved grapes, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions.
7Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
8Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
9Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
10Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch of salt if needed.
11Serve cold as a side dish or light lunch.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Whisk
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 2mg🧂Sodium: 310mg🌾Total Carbs: 56g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 8g

📝Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also add other fruits like diced mango or sliced strawberries for variety.

Watch Video Of How Sweet Pasta Salad Works

This sweet pasta salad is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s so versatile that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite fruits, nuts, and cheeses.

And because it makes such great leftovers, it’s perfect for meal prep or taking to work/school for lunch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Pasta Salad

1.

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
A: Any short-shaped pasta like penne, bowtie, or rotini works well in this recipe.

2.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
A: Yes, you can use fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries if you prefer.

3.

Q: How long does this salad keep in the fridge?
A: This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.

4.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until serving.

5.

Q: What if I don’t have any nuts or seeds?
A: You can omit the nuts or seeds altogether if you don’t have them on hand – just be sure to add some extra veggies or fruit to compensate.

6.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of regular?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cheese if you prefer – just be aware that it may affect the flavor slightly.

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