Adrianne's Rigatoni Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. It features tender rigatoni pasta tossed with a medley of fresh vegetables, including crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn. The salad is further enhanced by the addition of salty olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. The dressing combines olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices to create a harmonious balance of flavors that complements the salad ingredients perfectly. With its colorful appearance and irresistible taste, Adrianne's Rigatoni Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at any occasion.
In addition to the main recipe, the article also includes variations and additional recipes to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. For those who prefer a vegan option, there is a detailed recipe for a creamy vegan dressing that can be used instead of the traditional dressing. The article also features a recipe for grilled chicken skewers that can be added to the salad for a protein boost. For those who love pasta salads, there are two additional recipes included: a classic macaroni salad and a refreshing Greek pasta salad. Each recipe is carefully explained with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure successful preparation.
ITALIAN PASTA SALAD II
This is truly a must have pasta salad especially if you are Italian. I can't keep this in the house, it goes as fast as I make it. Enjoy!
Provided by YORKIDOLL
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Italian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in enough olive oil to coat, but not so that it pools at the bottom of the bowl. Mix in the red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, oregano and Asiago cheese. Mix in the Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate until 20 minutes before serving. If the pasta soaks up a lot of the oil, you may need to add more. Taste the salad as you are preparing it, you may like more or less ingredients.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.5 calories, Carbohydrate 48.3 g, Cholesterol 17.6 mg, Fat 21.5 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 14.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 272.2 mg, Sugar 3.5 g
ADRIANNES RIGATONI PASTA SALAD
Categories Salad Pasta Side Cocktail Party Vegetarian Quick & Easy Tailgating
Yield 6 people
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Do not overcook. Rinse with cold water and drain. Spread bottom of serving bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the pasta in the bowl and drizzle with an additional 1/4 cup olive oil. With hands, toss to coat. Meanwhile in a bowl, add the following ingredients: Greek Salad Dressing, oregano, garlic powder, and parsley Mix well and pour over pasta. Don't mix. Next, add Feta cheese over pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Wash and paper towel dry 1/4-cup fresh basil. (You may double this amount.) Stack leaves into a couple piles. You want the leaves to all go in the same direction. Roll up your leaves lengthwise, so that the stems are parallel to the roll. With a sharp knife, begin slicing the roll perpendicularly, creating thin strips. The tighter the roll, the easier it is to make your slices thin. Add this to the pasta. Next, toast pine nuts. Place the pine nuts in a roasting pan in a single layer. Place in a 400-degree oven and toss several times until nuts are light golden brown, about five to six minutes. Or, you can toast them in a frying pan. First lightly spray pan with cooking spray. Toast the nuts on medium-high temperature. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula. Do not walk away! They can burn in the blink of an eye! Mix everything with your hands so you don't break up the pasta. Add Garlic Salt and Pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap, and serve at room temperature. If you don't serve this right away, you may want to drizzle additional Greek dressing right before serving because after the cheese is added, the dressing gets absorbed. Store leftovers in refrigerator. NOTE: You can substitute the fresh basil with fresh spinach.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality olive oil will make a big difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Let the pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many variations of pasta salad, so feel free to add your own favorite ingredients.
- Make sure to chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together.
Conclusion:
Adrianne's Rigatoni Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, can be tailored to your own taste, and is always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this pasta salad a try.
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