Patriotic Pasta

This patriotic pasta salad recipe, loaded with tomatoes, cauliflower, and blue cheese, is the perfect festive addition to your July Fourth picnic spread.

• 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 small bowl.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and basil; cook and stir until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour garlic mixture over penne.

Step 4

Add cauliflower, tomatoes, bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, green onion, and Parmesan cheese to penne mixture. Drizzle salad with dressing; toss to combine and coat. Cover the bowl; refrigerate to blend flavors, about 1 hour.