Chaos Cake Rainbow Pasta Salad (Print)

Colorful fusilli, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing create a playful, crowd-pleasing salad for parties and potlucks.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 400 grams (14 oz) rotini or fusilli pasta (multicolored, if possible)

→ Vegetables & Mix-Ins

02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
05 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
06 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
07 - 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (cooked or canned, drained)
08 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
09 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
10 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

→ Dressing

11 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
12 - 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
13 - 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
15 - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
18 - Salt to taste
19 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

20 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
21 - 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water to cool completely; set aside.
02 - In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced yellow bell pepper, shredded purple cabbage, roughly chopped spinach, shredded carrots, corn kernels, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and finely diced red onion.
03 - In a separate small bowl, vigorously whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey or agave syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until a smooth, emulsified dressing forms.
04 - Pour the prepared dressing over the assembled pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss all ingredients until they are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for a minimum of 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to penetrate and meld, enhancing the overall taste profile.
06 - Prior to serving, garnish the chilled pasta salad with freshly chopped parsley. For an added whimsical touch, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles, if desired.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Perfect make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day
  • Customizable with seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand
  • Kid-friendly way to enjoy vegetables in a fun format
  • Travels well for potlucks and picnics
02 -
  • Perfect potluck dish that can be made up to 24 hours ahead
  • Contains vegetables from every color of the rainbow
  • Easily adaptable for dietary restrictions
  • Visually stunning centerpiece that appeals to all ages
03 -
  • Reserve a few tablespoons of each colorful vegetable before mixing everything together, then sprinkle them on top just before serving for the most vibrant presentation.
  • For the most dramatic color contrast, arrange your serving bowl in color order, moving from red tomatoes to purple cabbage in a rainbow arc before gently mixing at the table.
  • If serving outdoors during warm weather, nest your serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep everything fresh and food-safe throughout the event.

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