Patriotic Pasta

Serve this patriotic pasta salad loaded with tomatoes, blue cheese, and pasta for a festive addition to the 4th of July picnic table.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 285 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch strips
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 0.5 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons milk
• 0.5 teaspoon honey mustard
• 2.5 cups penne pasta
• 0.75 teaspoon minced fresh basil
• 2.5 cups cauliflower florets

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, honey mustard, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain and transfer to a bowl.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic and basil until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour garlic mixture over penne. Mix cauliflower, tomatoes, red bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, green onion, and Parmesan cheese into penne mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate to blend flavors, about 1 hour.