Grocery · 16 oz
Tri-Color Rotini Pasta Salad
What it is
This is a dry pasta product shaped like corkscrews. It is made from a blend of durum wheat semolina, and the colors come from natural ingredients. The red color is typically from tomato or beet powder, and the green color is usually from spinach powder. This combination of colors makes it visually appealing in dishes. It is a versatile pantry staple that cooks quickly and holds sauces well.
How people cook with it
This pasta is excellent for a variety of cold pasta salads or warm side dishes. Its shape is perfect for capturing dressings and small ingredients.
- Cold pasta salads
- Warm side dishes
- Pasta bakes
- Kid-friendly meals
To prepare, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water if preparing for a cold salad to stop the cooking process. For warm dishes, drain and toss immediately with your chosen sauce or butter. It can also be added to casseroles and baked dishes.
How it differs from similar foods
The tri-color variety offers a visual distinction from plain pasta. The different colors can sometimes have subtle flavor notes from their natural coloring agents, though this is usually minor. The corkscrew shape, or rotini, is effective at holding chunkier sauces and ingredients compared to smoother pasta shapes.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking to add color and fun to their meals will appreciate this pasta.
How to keep the rest
Store the uncooked pasta in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry, in its original packaging or an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for a long time. Once cooked, refrigerate any leftovers promptly in a sealed container.