Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad is made with pasta, mayonnaise, whole milk, adobo sauce, white vinegar, salt, black pepper, grape tomatoes, smoked Gouda, and fresh basil leaves. This tasty pasta salad is easy to make, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare, and serves up to 8 people.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Pea Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Coconut Shrimp Salad
- Pioneer Woman Hash Brown Potato Salad
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of smoked Gouda and mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy taste that’s hard to resist.
- Hint of Spice: The adobo sauce from chipotle peppers adds a mild, smoky heat that perfectly balances the creamy dressing.
- Fresh and Vibrant: The grape tomatoes and fresh basil give the salad a fresh and colorful touch, making it both delicious and visually appealing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This pasta salad is great for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for dinner, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty dish without any fuss.
🥛 Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces (340 grams) mostaccioli or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons adobo sauce from chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 10 ounces (285 grams) grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 8 ounces (225 grams) smoked Gouda, cut into small cubes
- 24 whole basil leaves, cut into chiffonade
🥘How To Make Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad?
- Cook the pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta. Drain and rinse under cold water until no longer hot, then set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, milk, adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pasta, mayonnaise dressing, halved tomatoes, and cubed Gouda.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and an extra teaspoon or two of vinegar if necessary.
- Add basil and refrigerate: Stir in the basil. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
💠Recipe Tips:
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Overcooking will make it mushy, while undercooking will leave it too firm.
- Cool the Pasta: After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps the pasta maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves give the salad a vibrant flavor. Don’t substitute with dried basil, as it won’t provide the same fresh taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar as needed. This ensures the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad more delicious.
🥗 What To Serve With Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad?
This creamy Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad pairs well with Asian Chicken Wings, roasted vegetables, Hash Brown Potato Salad, or Cowboy Salad. It can also be served alongside grilled shrimp, corn on the cob, baked beans, or a fruit salad for a delicious Fried Olives.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This pasta salad is not recommended for freezing. The mayonnaise and fresh ingredients can separate and lose their texture when thawed, which will affect the overall quality of the dish.
FAQ’S
What if my pasta salad is too dry?
If your pasta salad is too dry, add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of milk to moisten it up. You can also mix in a little olive oil or some extra dressing to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
To prevent pasta from getting mushy, cook it al dente according to package instructions and immediately rinse it with cold water after draining. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain the pasta’s firm texture.
What if my salad is too salty?
If your salad is too salty, add more pasta or vegetables to dilute the saltiness. You can also mix in a bit of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance out the flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to your pasta salad. Consider adding bell peppers, cucumbers, red onions, or even blanched broccoli for extra crunch and flavor, enhancing both taste and nutritional value.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Cowboy Salad
- Pioneer Woman Egg Roll In A Bowl With Coleslaw Mix
- Pioneer Woman Spinach Strawberry Salad
Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving (131g)
- Calories: 282
- Total Fat: 13.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Cholesterol: 68.7mg
- Sodium: 365.4mg
- Potassium: 213.5mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 26.7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 26.3g
- Protein: 12.4g
Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad
Description
Pioneer Woman Smoked Gouda Pasta Salad is made with pasta, mayonnaise, whole milk, adobo sauce, white vinegar, salt, black pepper, grape tomatoes, smoked Gouda, and fresh basil leaves. This tasty pasta salad is easy to make, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to prepare, and serves up to 8 people.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta. Drain and rinse under cold water until no longer hot, then set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, milk, adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pasta, mayonnaise dressing, halved tomatoes, and cubed Gouda.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and an extra teaspoon or two of vinegar if necessary.
- Add basil and refrigerate: Stir in the basil. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just tender. Overcooking will make it mushy, while undercooking will leave it too firm.
- Cool the Pasta: After cooking, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps the pasta maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves give the salad a vibrant flavor. Don’t substitute with dried basil, as it won’t provide the same fresh taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar as needed. This ensures the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad more delicious.