Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad that contains a mixture of sharp cheddar, mandarin oranges, black olives, and walnuts in a light citrus vinaigrette.
It was created in 2008 by the founder of the cooking website zoeskitchen.com and has become one of her most popular recipes since then.
What is Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad?
Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad that contains a mixture of sharp cheddar, mandarin oranges, black olives, and walnuts in a light citrus vinaigrette.
Food critics have described it as one of the best pasta salads for summer because it contains ingredients that are easy to find in supermarkets and do not require long preparation hours.
How to make Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounces) package penne pasta
- 2 large navel oranges cut into wedges, drained, and chopped
- 1 cup black olives, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
- 1 cup red bell pepper diced small
- 4 green onions sliced thin on the diagonal
Directions:
1. Place the pasta in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain. Rinse with cool water to prevent further cooking.
2. In a large bowl, add the drained pasta, oranges, and olives. Set aside.
3. Add 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese to the bottom of a large serving bowl. Add the pasta mixture and stir to combine ingredients.
4. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with red bell pepper and green onions on top of the pasta salad. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Values of Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cal | 378 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 13mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 553mg |
| Potassium | 344mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Sugar | 0.9g |
| Protein | 12 |
Health Benefits of Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad
The ingredients used in Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad are healthy and nutritious. They contain high amounts of fiber, protein, and calcium.
Walnuts and black olives are rich in healthy fats, while mandarin oranges can help boost the immune system to prevent the onset of illness during summer.
A large amount of cheddar cheese can help keep blood sugar levels at a healthy range and is a good source of protein for people who prefer not to eat meat every day.
6 Great Serving Ideas of Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad
1. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is a great dish for potlucks and picnics because it can be easily prepared ahead of time and is best when served at room temperature.
2. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is a great addition to summertime salads because the ingredients are easy to find in supermarkets both during the summer and winter. It only takes a few minutes to prepare and goes well with fruit or other salads or side dishes.
3. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad pairs well with grilled chicken and makes a great addition to a turkey burger or fish sandwich. The salad can also be served as a side dish for various meals.
4. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad makes an excellent dish for the whole family because the ingredients are easy to find, and the pasta salad is not too spicy for young children. It is also a good way to convince picky children to eat olives, which are nutritious for their growing bodies, instead of mandarin oranges.
5. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad can also be served with grilled chicken and small cocktail shrimp.
6. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is a great side dish for the entire family to enjoy during the summer. It is an ideal dish for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor activities.
Can I Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad. It is best to use an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent the ingredients from getting too soggy.
To defrost, place the pasta salad in a refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature again before serving.
Is It Healthy?
Yes, Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is healthy and nutritious. The ingredients used in the recipe contain high dietary fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamins. Each serving contains 4g fiber and 25% of the recommended daily value for protein.
A large amount of cheddar cheese also comes with a decent amount of calcium to help build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis in old age.
Is It Gluten-free?
Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is not gluten-free. It contains wheat pasta and cheddar cheese, both sources of gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelled. It is often added as a breading to meat and other food products.
People who are intolerant to gluten need to avoid products that contain gluten because this type of protein does not get digested by their bodies and can cause stomach pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea.
How to store?
1. Store pasta salad in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Keep pasta salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
3. Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad can be frozen, but it is best to use an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent the ingredients from getting too soggy.
To defrost, place the pasta salad in a refrigerator overnight and allow it to come to room temperature again before serving.
The Bottom Line
Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad was created by a blogger obsessed with pasta salad. The recipe is one of the most popular in her blog and has been featured in many media sources, including the New York Times and Huffington Post.
Even though Zoes Kitchen Pasta Salad is not gluten-free, it remains one of the best pasta salads for summer because it is easy to make and contains nutritious ingredients.
