Easy Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette

Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette is a classic all-year-round dish for a reason. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. But if you’re looking for a pasta salad with a bit of a twist, try this recipe for Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette.

The passion fruit vinaigrette in this recipe adds a bright, tropical flavor to the pasta salad. It’s made with fresh passion fruit juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The vinaigrette is light and refreshing, and it perfectly complements the ditalini pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.

This pasta salad is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. The cucumbers and tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, and the red onion is a good source of antioxidants. The ditalini pasta is also a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.

Here’s how to make Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette:

Ingredients:

• Ditalini pasta uncooked. cooked al-dente and rinsed in cold water
• Olive oil
• Passion fruit vinegar: for flavor and aroma. You can also use mango or pineapple vinegar.
• Shallots: for seasoning and a hint of spiciness.
• Parsley: for freshness and seasoning.
• Cherry tomatoes, if possible, multicolored tomatoes will make the pasta more vibrant.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packaging. Place the cooked and cooled ditalini pasta in a large bowl.
• Make the vinaigrette by mixing and whisking the olive oil, vinegar, parsley, and shallots; season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Add the vinaigrette to the pasta and mix well. Incorporate the cherry tomatoes and adjust the seasoning. Keep the pasta cold until serving time.

Notes and Tips

• For a more intense passion fruit flavor, use more passion fruit juice in the vinaigrette.
• There is no need to add Dijon mustard or honey. The vinegar will add tons of flavor. Please keep it simple!
• If you don’t have passion fruit vinegar, you can substitute another type of fruit vinegar, such as mango juice or pineapple juice.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the pasta salad, such as cooked chicken or shrimp, chickpeas, or broccoli.
• The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can you make this recipe with other pasta noodles?

Sure, here are some other pasta noodles that you can use in this recipe:

• Farfalle (bow tie pasta)
• Fusilli
• Rotini
• Penne
• Orzo
• Gemelli
• Cavatappi
• Elbow macaroni
• Shells

When choosing a pasta noodle for pasta salad, it is important to select a shape that has ridges or curves. This will help the dressing to adhere to the pasta and create a more flavorful salad.

Here are some tips for cooking pasta for pasta salad:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Drain the pasta immediately after cooking and rinse it with cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
• Toss the pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Once the pasta is cooked and cooled, you can add it to the other ingredients in the pasta salad and toss it with the vinaigrette.

FAQs for Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette: A Tropical Twist on a Classic

Q: What is ditalini pasta?

Ditalini pasta is a small, tube-shaped pasta that is similar to macaroni. It is often used in soups and stews, but it can also be used in pasta salads.

Q: Where can I find passion fruit juice?

Passion fruit vinegar can be found at local grocery stores in the vinegar aisle. It can also be found at some specialty food stores or online.

Q: Can I substitute another type of fruit vinegar for the passion fruit vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute another type of fruit vinegar for the passion fruit vinegar, such as mango or pineapple vinegar. However, the flavor of the pasta salad will be different.

Q: What other ingredients can I add to the pasta salad?

You can add other ingredients such as cooked chicken or shrimp, chickpeas, or corn. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery.

Q: How long can I store the pasta salad?

The pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: How do I serve the pasta salad?

The pasta salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It is also a great dish to take to potlucks, picnics, and barbecues and great also for casual and formal dinners with friends and family.

Additional tips:

• To make the pasta salad ahead of time, cook the pasta and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days before serving. When you are ready to serve, assemble the salad and toss it with the vinaigrette.
• If you are using cooked chicken or shrimp in the pasta salad, be sure to let them cool completely before adding them to the pasta.
• To make a creamier vinaigrette, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.
• If you want a spicier pasta salad, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Ditalini Pasta Salad with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette!

Enjoy this simple, beautiful, and delicious salad with roasted or grilled meat.

Originally published July 24, 2017. Revised and updated.