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Confetti Salad Recipe

4.7 from 91 reviews

Confetti Salad is a vibrant and creamy pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables like red pepper, cucumber, celery, and sweet corn. Tossed in a tangy and rich parmesan-based dressing, this colorful and refreshing dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side salad for any meal. The pasta is boiled to al dente perfection, then chilled to absorb the flavors of the zesty dressing, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
  2. Cook the pasta: Break spaghetti into 1-2 inch segments. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta pieces and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta into a large salad bowl. Add diced red pepper, red onion, cucumber, celery, and drained corn. Gently mix to evenly distribute the vegetables throughout the pasta.
  4. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta and vegetable is coated with the creamy dressing.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the salad bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light main course.

Notes

  • Breaking the spaghetti into smaller pieces helps make the salad easier to eat and evenly distributes the pasta.
  • Allowing the salad to chill for at least one hour enhances the flavor absorption and texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Feel free to add additional fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.
  • This salad is perfect for make-ahead meals and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Confetti Salad, pasta salad, creamy dressing, summer salad, vegetable salad, easy side dish