Last Updated on October 6, 2023
Walmart Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or a tasty side dish for your next BBQ, this article has got you covered.
Made with simple ingredients that can be found at your local Walmart, this pasta salad is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly flavorful. With its vibrant colors and unique blend of flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Follow this easy article and get ready to wow your guests with a tasty Walmart Pasta Salad that will become a go-to dish for any gathering. So, let’s head to the kitchen and start cooking!
What is Walmart Pasta Salad?
Walmart Pasta Salad is a cold pasta dish made with tri-colored veggie rotini, shredded carrots, diced red onions, and mild cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing.
It’s a simple and refreshing salad that can be served as a side or enjoyed as a light meal on its own. The best part about this recipe is that it can be easily customized by adding your favorite ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Walmart Pasta Salad?
There are many reasons to love this tasty Walmart Pasta Salad recipe. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also has a lot of nutritional value.
The colorful tri-colored veggie rotini pasta adds a variety of vegetable purees to your diet, while the shredded carrots and diced red onions add a dose of vitamins and minerals. The mayonnaise and cheese provide a good source of calcium and protein.
Moreover, this is highly customizable. You can add any of your favorite ingredients to make it your own, such as diced grilled chicken, fresh herbs, or even nuts.
And lastly, this pasta salad is budget-friendly, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. So not only is it delicious, but it’s also good for your wallet! So, let’s head to the kitchen and start cooking this amazing Walmart Pasta Salad.
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The Ingredients
- Tri-colored veggie rotini pasta: This type of pasta is made with different vegetable purees, giving it a colorful appearance and adding nutritional value.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy ingredient helps bind the other ingredients together while adding richness to the salad.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances out the tangy flavors in this pasta salad.
- Shredded Carrots: These add a subtle sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the dressing a tangy and slightly acidic flavor, balancing out the sweetness from the sugar.
- Red Onions: Diced fine, these add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor to the salad.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture and savory flavor to this pasta salad.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Cook the pasta
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the tri-colored veggie rotini pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2
Prepare the dressing
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
Step 3
Combine the ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded carrots, diced red onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4
Chill and Serve
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- To add more protein, try adding diced grilled chicken or canned tuna to the salad.
- Mix things up by using different types of pasta, such as bowtie or penne noodles.
- For added flavor, try using a flavored mayonnaise, such as chipotle or garlic aioli.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the shredded cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Add some extra crunch by tossing in some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition Information
How to store Walmart Pasta Salad?
Once prepared, Walmart Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan on making this dish ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.
This will prevent the pasta from getting too soggy. When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir before adding the dressing. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this Walmart Pasta Salad recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
- For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp or diced ham.
- Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Use different types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.
- For added spice, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- strainer
- mixing bow
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of tri-colored veggie rotini pasta
- 4 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 red onions diced fine
- 4 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add in the tri-colored veggie rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside.
- Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together! Add shredded carrots, diced red onions, and shredded mild cheddar cheese to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Give it a good toss to combine all the ingredients.
- Finally, pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- To add more protein, try adding diced grilled chicken or canned tuna to the salad.
- Mix things up by using different types of pasta, such as bowtie or penne noodles.
- For added flavor, try using a flavored mayonnaise, such as chipotle or garlic aioli.
- To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the shredded cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Add some extra crunch by tossing in some toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, you can make this Walmart Pasta Salad up to a day in advance. However, it’s best to add the dressing right before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, but we recommend using one that holds its shape well.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can swap out the mild cheddar cheese for any type of cheese you prefer, such as feta or mozzarella.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re making this for meal prep or for a party, Walmart Pasta Salad is an easy and delicious dish that can be made in advance and enjoyed later on. So go ahead and make a big batch to have on hand for quick and tasty meals throughout the week!
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Walmart and grab all the ingredients to make this delicious pasta salad. We guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen!
Thank you for reading. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, and let us know in the comments how your Walmart Pasta Salad turned out!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
