Description

UpChuckin’ Pumpkin Loaded Pasta Salad is a festive and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of fall in a delicious pasta salad. This recipe is perfect for Halloween parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Packed with roasted vegetables, colorful pasta, and rich cheeses, this salad not only looks appealing but also offers a delightful taste experience. The unique twist of serving it in a small pie pumpkin adds an element of fun that will impress your guests. Easy to prepare ahead of time and customizable to suit your taste, this pasta salad is sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz multicolored rotini pasta (about 8 cups cooked)
1/2–3/4 cup Italian dressing
1/2 cup roasted red peppers (diced)
1/2 yellow onion (diced)
2 oz can black olives (sliced)
1/2 large cucumber (peeled and diced)
12 slices chopped chicken
10 chopped Frigo Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese sticks
1 cup sliced Old Wisconsin Turkey Sausage Sticks
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
small pie pumpkin (for serving)

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced roasted red peppers, diced onion, sliced black olives, diced cucumber, chopped chicken, chopped cheddar cheese sticks, and sliced turkey sausage sticks.
Pour in Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are coated. Adjust dressing to taste.
Transfer to a serving dish or scoop into a hollowed-out small pie pumpkin for a festive presentation.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. For extra freshness, mix in some chopped herbs just before serving. This salad can be made ahead of time; just ensure it's chilled well before serving.