A Creamy, Colorful Pasta Delight
Bring a burst of joy to your table with this Confetti Salad! It takes the classic pasta salad we all love and fills it with a rainbow of crisp, fresh vegetables, all coated in a uniquely zesty and creamy Parmesan dressing. As cheerful as it is delicious, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or brightening up your weekly lunch routine.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Salad Base:
1 (16 oz) package spaghetti, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
½ red onion, finely diced
1 large cucumber, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 can (about 15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
For the Creamy Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
👩🍳 Directions
1. Create the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Break the spaghetti into short pieces directly into the pot (or do this beforehand on a cutting board). Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool for about 15 minutes; it’s best to dress the pasta when it’s no longer steaming hot.
3. Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, place the cooled pasta. Add the diced red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, celery, and drained corn.
4. Toss with Creamy Goodness
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss everything together until every piece of pasta and every veggie is evenly and gloriously coated.
5. Chill to Perfection
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the pasta to absorb the dressing and the flavors to fully develop. Serve cold and enjoy the crunch!