Patriotic Pasta

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon honey mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salad:
• 2 1/2 cups penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh basil
• 2 1/2 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch strips
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, honey mustard, vinegar, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain and transfer to a bowl.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic and basil until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour garlic mixture over penne. Mix cauliflower, tomatoes, red bell pepper, mozzarella cheese, green onion, and Parmesan cheese into penne mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate to blend flavors, about 1 hour.