Hooters Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hooters Pasta Salad combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful dish. The creamy dressing blends perfectly with the crisp vegetables, while the rotini pasta adds the right texture and bite. It’s the perfect side dish for summer cookouts, but versatile enough to pair with virtually any main course, from grilled chicken to burgers. Easy to make ahead and even better when chilled, this pasta salad is sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, dice the cucumbers, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. If you’re using black olives, slice them as well.
3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss everything together gently.
5. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated. If desired, sprinkle in the sliced black olives.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein and flavor.
• Vegetarian: If you prefer a lighter version, you can leave out the cheddar cheese and olives, or swap them with different veggies like cherry tomatoes or peas.
• Spicy twist: Add a little sriracha or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This pasta salad is best served chilled and doesn’t need reheating. Just take it out of the fridge before serving and give it a quick stir.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even more after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

How do I make the dressing less creamy?

To make the dressing less creamy, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and increase the amount of vinegar or mustard to your taste. You can also add a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter alternative.

Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a store-bought creamy dressing such as ranch, Italian, or even a Caesar dressing as a shortcut if you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, or celery for added crunch and flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular rotini to make the recipe gluten-free.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

If you don’t like mayo, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a slightly different taste and texture.

Is this pasta salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this pasta salad is vegetarian as long as you don’t add any meat like chicken or bacon.

Can I freeze this pasta salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze pasta salad as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may change once thawed.

What can I serve with Hooters Pasta Salad?

This pasta salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or burgers, as well as seafood or barbecue dishes.

Conclusion

Hooters Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to serve at your next gathering. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and hearty pasta, it’s a flavorful side that complements almost any main course. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or a dish that can be made ahead of time, this pasta salad is a go-to recipe that won’t disappoint. Enjoy this refreshing dish all year round!

Hooters Pasta Salad

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Hooters Pasta Salad is a creamy, tangy, and refreshing side dish made with rotini pasta, crunchy vegetables, and a deliciously creamy dressing. It’s the perfect accompaniment for any meal or gathering.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. For the Pasta Salad:
   1 pound rotini pasta
   
   1 cup diced cucumbers
   
   1 cup diced red bell pepper
   
   1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
   
   1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
   
   1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
   
   For the Dressing:
   1 cup mayonnaise
   
   2 tablespoons white vinegar
   
   1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   
   1 teaspoon garlic powder
   
   1 teaspoon onion powder
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the cucumbers, red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the black olives if using.
2. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Combine ingredients: Add the cooled pasta, diced vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Sprinkle in the black olives if desired.
5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

1. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon for extra protein.
2. For a lighter version, leave out the cheese and olives, or swap with other veggies like cherry tomatoes or peas.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg