Firecracker Pasta Salad – A Bold, Colorful, and Zesty Pasta
Firecracker Pasta Salad is a bold and refreshing pasta dish featuring tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a spicy, tangy dressing. The salad gets its name from the fiery kick of chili sauce and hot spices that create an exciting burst of flavor. Fresh ingredients such as bell peppers, carrots, and green onions add crunch and color. The dish is served chilled, making it perfect for warm weather meals. It’s quick to prepare and can easily be customized with protein like chicken or shrimp. This vibrant pasta salad is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bow tie pasta
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Chop the bell pepper, shred carrots, slice cabbage, and chop green onions.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Place cooled pasta in a large bowl. Add carrots, bell pepper, cabbage, and green onions.
- Pour the firecracker dressing over the pasta mixture.
- Mix everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or extra green onions on top before serving.
Notes
- Rotini pasta holds dressing well.
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking.
- Adjust the hot sauce based on spice preference.
- The salad tastes better after chilling.
- Fresh vegetables provide the best crunch.
- Use light mayonnaise for fewer calories.
- Add cilantro for extra freshness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.