Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad
This vibrant Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad combines elbow macaroni, crisp vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and tangy Catalina dressing for a colorful, flavorful side dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or casual summer gatherings.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 small red onion quartered and thinly sliced
- 2 ribs celery thinly sliced
- 1 green or yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 2 cups Catalina dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Soak the red onion:
- Place the thinly sliced red onion in a bowl of ice water. Allow it to soak for a minimum of 15 minutes to reduce its sharpness. For best results, soak for 30 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, then spread the pasta out on a baking sheet in a single layer to cool quickly and prevent sticking.
Prepare the vegetables:
- While the pasta cools, slice the celery and bell pepper thinly. Set aside for later assembly.
Make the dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Catalina dressing, mayonnaise, and dill pickle relish. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine all ingredients:
- Drain the soaked red onion and add it to the dressing mixture along with the cooled macaroni, celery, and bell pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Chill and serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture. Serve cold.
Notes
To prepare this Pink Cadillac Pasta Salad as a gluten-free dish, substitute the standard elbow macaroni with a certified gluten-free variety made from rice, quinoa, or corn. Ensure that both the Catalina dressing and dill pickle relish are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten in additives or thickeners. Always double-check ingredient labels if serving guests with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.