Coleslaw Pasta Salad Recipe
This refreshing Coleslaw Pasta Salad combines tender ditalini pasta with crunchy coleslaw mix and a medley of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfectly chilled, this salad is a delightful side dish for picnics, potlucks, or any gathering requiring a crisp, flavorful pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 box (16 oz) ditalini pasta
- 1 bag (14-16 oz) coleslaw mix
- 1 sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
- 2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped small
- 1 can (8 oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped small
- 3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
Dressing
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt, more as needed
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt). Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, coleslaw mix, finely chopped sweet onion, celery, peeled and chopped cucumbers, chopped green pepper, chopped water chestnuts, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Stir gently to mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 4 to 6 hours before serving. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adding kosher salt to the boiling water enhances the pasta's flavor.
- Refrigerating for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- You can substitute celery with other crunchy vegetables like jicama if desired.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise and reduce sugar slightly.
- Chopping vegetables uniformly helps achieve a balanced texture and presentation.
Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/coleslaw-pasta-salad-recipe/
