Delicious and Easy Coleslaw Pasta Salad 

Servings: 6 servings

Description

Delicious and Easy Coleslaw Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colourful side dish that combines tender pasta with crisp coleslaw vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, or meal-prep lunches. The combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, fresh cucumber, and vibrant bell peppers creates a satisfying texture, while the creamy dressing ties everything together with a balance of sweetness and acidity. Easy to prepare and full of fresh flavours, this pasta salad is a versatile dish that complements grilled meats, sandwiches, and seafood.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups rotini or bowtie pasta
• 4 cups coleslaw mix
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced

For the Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables. Dice the bell pepper and cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and measure the coleslaw mix and shredded carrots.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to blend and enhances the texture.

Garnish with parsley, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Rotini holds dressing well, but bow-tie pasta adds an attractive presentation.
• Greek yoghurt can replace half the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Add diced cooked chicken for a complete meal.
• The salad tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.

Tips for Success

• Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking.
• Pat cucumbers dry to reduce excess moisture.
• Slice onions thinly for a milder flavour.
• Toss the salad again before serving if it has been refrigerated for several hours.
• Prepare the dressing separately and add just before serving for maximum freshness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg

Health Benefits

Rich in Vegetables

Coleslaw mix, carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Source of Fiber

The vegetables and pasta contribute dietary fibre, which helps support healthy digestion and promotes fullness.

Energy-Providing Carbohydrates

Pasta supplies complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Antioxidant Support

Red bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants that help support immune function.

Versatile and Balanced

This salad can be customised with lean proteins, seeds, or additional vegetables to create a more complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes. It can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: How long does pasta salad last?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make it lighter?

A: Yes. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yoghurt.

Q: What protein can I add?

A: Grilled chicken, turkey, tuna, shrimp, or chickpeas are excellent additions.

Q: Can I use a store-bought coleslaw dressing?

A: Absolutely. Store-bought coleslaw dressing can save time while still providing great flavour.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for picnics and potlucks?

A: Yes. Its refreshing flavour and easy transport make it ideal for gatherings. Keep it chilled until serving.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?

A: Yes. The recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. Simply ensure the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise used are vegetarian-friendly if needed.

Conclusion

Delicious and Easy Coleslaw Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and colourful dish that combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Whether served as a side dish at a barbecue, packed for lunch, or enjoyed as a light meal, this easy-to-make salad offers great flavour, texture, and versatility in every bite.