Pasta Salad--Inspired by Rita Recipe

Name: Pasta Salad--Inspired by Rita
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup frozen peas, uncooked (or fresh peas, scalded for 1 to 2 minutes); ¾ cup baby carrots; 2 celery ribs; 5 -6 spring onions or 5 -6 green onion tops; 13-½ cup salad dressing (or your favorite mayo); 1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar; 1 tablespoon fresh ground horseradish; 1 clove fresh garlic, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon for this); 1 teaspoon sugar; salt and pepper, to taste; rita grilled portabella mushroom, diced (Grilled Portabella Mushrooms) (optional)

Servings: persons

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup frozen peas, uncooked (or fresh peas, scalded for 1 to 2 minutes)
¾ cup baby carrots
2 celery ribs
5 -6 spring onions or 5 -6 green onion tops
13-½ cup salad dressing (or your favorite mayo)
1 tablespoon tarragon vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ground horseradish
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon for this)
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper, to taste
rita grilled portabella mushroom, diced (Grilled Portabella Mushrooms) (optional)

1
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, al dente.
2
Drain in colander, then rinse with cold water.
3
When macaroni is chilled and well drained, return to pan.
4
In foodprocessor, chop celery ribs and carrots (separately if using mini-food processor).
5
Gently toss frozen peas with pasta, breaking apart any peas that are frozen together.
6
Add chopped celery and carrots and gently toss again.
7
In foodprocessor, blend remaining ingredients, excluding the mushrooms.
8
Pour over pasta and vegetables, gently folding until coated.
9
Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
10
Note: If using the option of Rita's Grilled Portabello Mushrooms, they can be blended in with the carrot and celery addition, or served as an optional topping or side to be added by each individual.

133

kcal

Calories

Carbs

Protein

Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked, 1 cup frozen peas, uncooked (or fresh peas, scalded for 1 to 2 minutes), ¾ cup baby carrots, 2 celery ribs, and more.

Yes, Pasta Salad--Inspired by Rita falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pasta Salad--Inspired by Rita

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions