Prel
Culinary Explorer
I'm excited to share my go-to recipe, the Cheddar Pasta Toss. I remember the first time I made this dish with Emily โ she's always had a knack for cooking, and this recipe became an instant favorite. Whether it's for a cozy luncheon or a sunny picnic, it never fails to impress. Let's dive in together!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1โ2cups tri-color spiral pasta, uncooked
- 0.5(10 ounce) package frozen green peas
- 1cup cooked ham, julienned
- 1(8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, cubed into small cubes
- 1โ2cup chopped celery
- 1โ2cup sliced ripe olives
- 3green onions, green parts only, chopped
- 1โ4cup mayonnaise
- 2tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1tablespoon olive oil
- 1โ4teaspoon garlic powder
- 1โ4teaspoon dried oregano
- 1pinch salt (to taste) (optional)
- 1pinch ground black pepper (to taste) (optional)
- 1(4 ounce) jar pimentos
DIRECTIONS
- Cook rotini according to package directions, during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time add peas to rotini.
- Drain pasta and peas, rinse pasta and peas in cold water, then drain again.
- Combine pasta/peas with the next five ingredients. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl combine all of the mayo with the next 4 ingredients and the salt and pepper if using. Whisk together until smooth and uniform.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and stir gently to combine until the pasta mixture is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. Overnight is best.