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Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe

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Always a favorite side dish at cookouts and potlucks, this Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe is chock full of crunchy fresh vegetables and TONS of flavor!

I’ve made this creamy pasta salad on multiple occasions, and it is always a crowd favorite. The creamy dressing balances the mild heat of the jalapenos, providing you with a burst of flavor in every bite! And, please know, it is not TOO spicy! You can easily adjust the heat. It’s a great side dish with Pulled Pork!

Oh, and I’ve tested this Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe for tailgate worthiness, and it aced the test! You see, when my sister passed away, a family friend hosted our immediate family for a luncheon following her service. Copa and I needed to head straight back to Florida for our respective work schedules following the luncheon, so it traveled with us!

The hostess packed up a few leftovers for our trip home and gave us a cooler so everything would stay cold on during our 3 state, 11 hour haul. The original recipe is from The Pioneer Woman; I added a tad more mayonnaise to enhance the dressing. Let me tell you, we packed everything with ice, and I even had some Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad to take back to my mother-in-law!

Your Players on the Field for your
Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe

  • Pasta: Cavatelli, cellentani (this is in the photos) rotini, or bowties work well.
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels
  • Mayonnaise and sour cream
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Limes (just 2!)
  • Bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • Scallions and a clove of garlic
  • Tomato
  • Fresh parsley & cilantro
  • Salt & pepper

When packing this salad for a tailgate, remember it is a mayonnaise based salad and it needs lot of ice to maintain a cold temperature. We swear by these Hefty Meal Prep Containers for packaging food to transport, and Copa and I use them for lunch containers, too!

Or, if you are serving a crowd, these stainless steel mixing bowls with lids are not only classy for all social events, the stainless steel ensures a cool environment while transporting chilled items!

If you are looking for other tailgating recipes that transport for potlucks or cookouts, here are a few fan favorites:

Enjoy, and happy tailgating!

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Spicy Veggie Pasta Salad

Print Recipe
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb cellentani, bowtie, wagon wheel or rotini pasta
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, fresh
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped, plus 3-4 tbs brine for less heat, adjust to 2 tbs
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • grated zest and juice of 2 limes
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large orange pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cups cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup parsley, chopped (not Italian parsley)

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, however ONLY cook the pasta until it is al dente. Add corn to the last minute of cooking then immediately drain and rinse under cold water.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pickled jalapenos, 2 tbs of brine (you can add the remaining brine after tasting the heat of the dressing), lime zest and juice, garlic, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
  • Once the dressing is blended, add the bell peppers, green onions, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Add half the cilantro and parsley to the dressing and mix well.
  • Add the drained pasta to the dressing bowl. Stir well and incorporate all the dressing into the pasta. Top with remaining cilantro and green onions. Cover and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (no longer for food safety!) or refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

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