Prepare to transport your taste buds to the sunny beaches of Brazil with this mouthwatering pasta salad that's about to become your new summer obsession! Imagine a colorful medley of perfectly cooked pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together in pure culinary magic. This isn't just another boring pasta salad – it's a fiesta of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup corn, canned or cooked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 3 cups of pasta (fusilli or penne), 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1 cup of corn (canned or cooked), 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and cut them in half. Wash and dice the bell peppers into small pieces. If you are using canned corn, drain and rinse it under cold water.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and corn. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and olive oil until smooth. Pour this dressing over the pasta salad mixture.
- Gently fold the dressing into the pasta salad until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed based on your preference.
- Once everything is well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste again for seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional bell pepper or herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality mayonnaise and make sure to season generously with salt and pepper. • Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture – the pasta should have a slight bite to it. • Allow the salad to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. • For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving. • If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks. • To add extra protein, consider mixing in some diced cooked chicken or shrimp. • Use room temperature vegetables to prevent the pasta from cooling down too quickly when mixing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
