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

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons milk
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups cauliflower florets
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ½ teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon honey mustard
• 2 ½ cups penne pasta
• ¾ teaspoon minced fresh basil
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch strips

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.