Description
A vibrant Halloween pasta salad that combines earthy mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and colorful pasta for a delightful family favorite.
Ingredients
- Pasta (Farfallini, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Fresh mushrooms (cremini or portobello)
- Colorful bell peppers (red, orange, yellow)
- Baby spinach or kale
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
- Optional: pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, garlic, red onion
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and add salt; toss in your desired pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add diced mushrooms and salt; sauté until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, and leafy greens.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; drizzle over the salad.
- Toss and Garnish: Gently toss until well coated, then top with cherry tomatoes, herbs, pumpkin seeds, and feta.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free pasta. Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Halloween, Pasta Salad, Vegetarian, Family Recipe, Easy Recipe
