Pasta Salad Xmas: Festive Italian Rigatoni Salad
Choose rigatoni for your pasta salad xmas to ensure the dressing clings to the ridges of the pasta. Rinse the cooked rigatoni under cold running water for 1 minute to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry with a towel to minimise stickiness. This step prevents the pasta from clumping and keeps the mozzarella pearls separate and creamy.
This Italian salad combines 454 g rigatoni with roasted red pepper strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried cranberries. A dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard provides a savoury balance. Toasted almonds and fresh basil add texture and colour. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavours to mingle before serving.
Pasta Salad Xmas: Festive Italian Rigatoni Salad
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Bring 2 L of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the rigatoni. Cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente to ensure the pasta holds its shape during tossing.
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Whisk the dressing
Combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified. A stable emulsion ensures the flavour is evenly distributed.
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Combine salad components
Place the roasted red pepper strips, sun‑dried tomatoes, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, chopped basil and parsley in a large salad bowl. Mix these ingredients together to create a base of festive colours.
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Cool the rigatoni
Rinse the cooked rigatoni under cold running water for 1 minute. Pat them dry with a towel. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch to prevent the pasta from sticking.
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Coat the pasta
Add the dry pasta to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently. This ensures every piece of pasta is coated in the savoury dressing.
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Fold in mozzarella
Add the mozzarella pearls to the bowl. Give the salad one final gentle toss. Be careful not to overmix so the pearls remain intact and creamy.
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Chill the salad
Transfer the salad to an airtight container or cover the bowl. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the flavours to mingle and develop.
Ensure you pat the pasta completely dry after rinsing. If the rigatoni remains damp, the dressing will not adhere to the surface, resulting in a puddle at the bottom of the bowl. Check that the pasta feels tacky but not wet before adding it to the salad.
What to serve with it
Pair this salad with grilled halal turkey breast slices or a light turkey roast for a complete holiday spread. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a slice of whole-grain baguette to soak up the honey-mustard dressing and complement the savoury flavours.
Storing and reheating
Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you use the freezer, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 48 hours and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Do not leave the mozzarella pearls at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 345
- Protein
- 11.2 g
- Carbs
- 32.8 g
- Fat
- 17.5 g
- Fiber
- 3.4 g
- Sugar
- 8.1 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What kind of salad goes with Christmas dinner?
A vibrant pasta salad with roasted red peppers and cranberries works well. The acidity of the cider vinegar and the sweetness of the honey cut through the richness of traditional holiday meats like roast turkey or beef.
What is the secret to making the best pasta salad?
Rinse your pasta under cold water and pat it dry before mixing. This removes excess starch to prevent sticking and ensures the dressing coats every piece of rigatoni evenly without clumping.
What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?
Avoid overcooking the pasta, failing to rinse it, adding dressing while the pasta is hot, neglecting to chill the salad before serving, and using low-quality oils which can leave a greasy residue.
What are Ina Garten's best pasta salad recipes?
This recipe follows a similar profile to high-end Italian-style salads by focusing on fresh herbs and balanced acidity. Use fresh basil and parsley to achieve a professional, bright flavour profile.
