Best 4 Awesome Pasta Salad Recipes

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Pasta salad, a versatile dish that offers endless possibilities for customization, is a delightful blend of cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, flavorful proteins, and a tangy dressing. From classic Italian pasta salad to Mediterranean-inspired variations, this article presents a collection of delectable recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure a successful culinary experience. Whether you're planning a summer barbecue, a potluck gathering, or a light and refreshing meal, these pasta salad recipes will undoubtedly impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

AWESOME HAM PASTA SALAD



Awesome Ham Pasta Salad image

I never seem to make enough of this salad. When people see the recipe, they look at me as if I am a little odd...but when they eat it they can't seem to stop! This recipe is great for kids and adults alike. The garlic is optional. Also, to lighten up the salad, substitute light mayonnaise, light sour cream, and turkey ham.

Provided by Karena

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 27m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces ziti pasta
1 pound cooked ham, cubed
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large red onion, coarsely chopped
15 small sweet pickles, chopped, juice reserved
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
2 ½ teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the drained pasta, ham, peppers, onion, pickles and tomatoes.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, beef bouillon granules, vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic and 1/2 cup of reserved pickle juice. Fold into the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill overnight to allow the flavors to blend. Serve near room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 696.6 calories, Carbohydrate 44.9 g, Cholesterol 64.8 mg, Fat 48.2 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 21.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.1 g, Sodium 1746.7 mg, Sugar 11.3 g

AWESOME PASTA SALAD



Awesome Pasta Salad image

This is the best pasta salad I've ever eaten, and people request it frequently. It's a very easy, light-tasting side dish for a picnic or dinner.

Provided by Irlandes

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ pound provolone cheese, cubed
½ pound salami, cubed
¼ pound sliced pepperoni, cut in half
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 (10 ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, green pepper, olives, and pimentos. Pour in salad dressing, and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 309.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.9 g, Cholesterol 31.4 mg, Fat 17.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 12.9 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 913.2 mg, Sugar 2.6 g

AWESOME BOW TIE PASTA SALAD



Awesome Bow Tie Pasta Salad image

This is a very light salad. You can substitute cherry tomatoes for the chopped. If you like, you can add black olives.

Provided by Fluffy

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
2 green onions, chopped
1 (6 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  • Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and place in ice water until cool.
  • Toss pasta with onion, feta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and tomato.
  • Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361.5, Fat 14.2, SaturatedFat 5, Cholesterol 68, Sodium 270.6, Carbohydrate 46.3, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 5.7, Protein 11.8

AWESOME PASTA SALAD! RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Awesome Pasta Salad! Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by Becky Jo

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16-ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 pound provolone cheese, cubed
1/2 pound salami, cubed
1/4 pound sliced pepperoni, cut in half
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 (10-ounce) can black olives, drained
1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained
1 (8-ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, green pepper, olives, and pimentos. Pour in salad dressing and toss to coat.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality pasta: Choose a pasta that is made with high-quality ingredients and has a good texture. Some good options include whole wheat pasta, brown rice pasta, or quinoa pasta.
  • Cook the pasta according to the package directions: Make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions to ensure that it is cooked properly.
  • Drain the pasta well: Drain the pasta well after cooking to remove any excess water.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water: Rinsing the pasta with cold water will help to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
  • Add the dressing while the pasta is still warm: Adding the dressing while the pasta is still warm will help the dressing to absorb into the pasta.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: Use a variety of vegetables in your pasta salad to add color, flavor, and texture. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and artichoke hearts.
  • Add some protein: Add some protein to your pasta salad to make it a more complete meal. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans.
  • Garnish the pasta salad with fresh herbs: Garnish the pasta salad with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these pasta salad recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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