Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
Colorful, crisp Peppers, and delicate Angel Hair Pasta are tossed in a homemade Italian Dressing in this Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad. Simple, yet so tasty and a perfect dish for your next meal or gathering!
Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad is the epitome of keeping it simple. This delicious, colorful and flavorful recipe combines just a few ingredients, making it a quick preparation – baby bell peppers, angel hair pasta, diced red onion and Mom’s Italian Dressing. The flavors and textures together create a simple yet elegant salad that is unique and interesting, yet classic and casual.
My Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad recipe is prepared using Mom’s Italian Dressing recipe. I recommend taking the extra time and effort to prepare this dressing as the flavor is special and will lend to this salad coming together. If you’re in a real pinch, you can alternatively use a bottled Italian Dressing. But this dressing is easy to have on hand with a little preparation and some pantry staples.
Health Benefits of Peppers
Some benefits of Bell Peppers (1 Cup, chopped):
High in Vitamin C – 317% of your daily recommended value, which protects against cell damage
Contains Beta-Cryptoxanthin – Red bell pepper contains beta-cryptoxanthin, a compound that your body turns into vitamin A. Some research suggests that foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin may help lower the risk of bladder, lung and colon cancer.
Anthocyanins – These natural compounds are responsible for the red color in red bell peppers. These pigments have a protective effect on brain cells and could help slow down memory problems and cognitive aging.
What to serve with Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
My husband smoked Brisket for 16 hours this summer. That’s quite the dedicated effort if you ask me! This simple Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad was the perfect compliment to the richness of the meat. It would also pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
Simple Preparation
With the salad dressing already prepared, this recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. That’s it! It will become a new favorite at barbecues and picnics due to it’s speedy preparation, mayonnaise-free base, and light, fresh flavor. It’s also an inexpensive dish! Check, check, check, check!
- Prepare 1/2 lb of Angel Hair Pasta according to package directions. Once pasta is drained, drizzle lightly with EVOO to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Wash, dry, and thinly slice baby bell peppers, ensuring peppers have been seeded and stems have been removed. The seeds are bitter and not enjoyable so be certain to discard.
- Finely dice 1/2 Cup Red Onion.
- Prepare Mom’s Italian Dressing if not already ready.
- In a bowl, toss pasta, peppers, onion and dressing well.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
Enjoy! And if you like the recipe, please share on Pinterest, or snap a photo of your creation and tag me on Twitter, or Instagram!
Baby Bell Pepper Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large Pasta or Sauce Pot
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- ½ lb Angel Hair Pasta
- 12-15 Baby Peppers sliced, stems and seeds removed
- ½ Cup Diced Red Onion
- ¾ Cup Mom's Italian Dressing*
Instructions
- Prepare Angel Hair Pasta according to package directions. Drain, and lightly toss in a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to avoid sticking.
- Toss Sliced Bell Peppers and Diced Red Onion with Pasta.
- Pour ¾ Cup of Mom's Italian Dressing into Salad. Gently toss to coat ingredients.
- Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
