Patriotic Pasta
Description
This patriotic pasta salad recipe, loaded with tomatoes, cauliflower, and blue cheese, is the perfect festive addition to your July Fourth picnic spread.
Ingredients
•
1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
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1 1/2 teaspoons milk
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1/2 teaspoon honey mustard
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1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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2 1/2 cups penne pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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3/4 teaspoon minced fresh basil
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2 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
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2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
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1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
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4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch strips
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3 green onions, chopped
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
1
Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, honey mustard, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl.
2
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain; transfer to a large bowl.
3
Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and basil; cook and stir until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour garlic mixture over penne.
4
Add cauliflower, tomatoes, bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, green onion, and Parmesan cheese to penne mixture. Drizzle salad with dressing; toss to combine and coat. Cover the bowl; refrigerate to blend flavors, about 1 hour.