Description

UpChuckin’ Pumpkin Loaded Pasta Salad is a festive and flavorful dish that combines the richness of pumpkin with vibrant ingredients, making it an ideal addition to your Halloween gatherings or autumn celebrations. This colorful pasta salad features rotini pasta tossed with roasted red peppers, olives, and savory meats, all brought together by a zesty Italian dressing. Served chilled in a whimsical small pie pumpkin, it’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, ensuring it will be a hit at your next potluck or family dinner. Quick to prepare and customizable, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute parties.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz rotini pasta
1/2 cup roasted red peppers (diced)
1/2 yellow onion (diced)
2 oz black olives (sliced)
1/2 cucumber (diced)
12 slices honey chicken ham (chopped)
10 cheddar cheese sticks (chopped)
1 cup turkey sausage sticks (sliced thin)
1/2–3/4 cup Italian dressing
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with diced roasted red peppers, onion, olives, cucumber, chicken ham, cheddar cheese, and turkey sausage.
Pour in 1/2 cup of Italian dressing and gently toss until well coated. Adjust dressing to taste.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider including fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. This dish can be made ahead of time; flavors improve after chilling overnight.