Best 3 Best Potluck Pasta Salad Recipes

**Unveiling a Symphony of Flavors: A Culinary Journey into the World of Potluck Pasta Salads**

Pasta salad, a delightful dish that seamlessly blends the essence of convenience, versatility, and delectable flavors, takes center stage in this culinary exploration. With a myriad of recipes waiting to be unveiled, this article promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your potluck contributions to new heights. From classic iterations to innovative twists, each recipe showcases a unique blend of ingredients, textures, and culinary artistry. Whether you're seeking a traditional macaroni salad, a refreshing Greek pasta salad bursting with Mediterranean flair, or a hearty Italian pasta salad brimming with vibrant flavors, this article has something to satisfy every palate. Embark on this gastronomic adventure and discover the perfect potluck pasta salad to make your next gathering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

POTLUCK ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

Potluck Antipasto Pasta Salad image

I love trying new recipes, and this one for Italian pasta salad tops all other varieties I've tried. With beans, cheese, sausage and vegetables, it's a hearty complement to any meal. -Bernadette Nelson, Arcadia, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 medium sweet red or green pepper, julienned
2 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 bunch green onions, sliced
4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, julienned
4 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, julienned
4 ounces brick or provolone cheese, julienned
4 ounces thinly sliced hard salami, julienned
3 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 to 2 tablespoons minced chives
BASIL VINAIGRETTE:
2/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, vegetables, cheeses, meats, olives and chives. , In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Toss before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 306 calories, Fat 19g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 426mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Potluck Pasta Salad image

"This dish is a hit and it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for days," says Erika Shupe of Mount Vernon, Washington. "With pasta, veggies and cheese, it's a complete meal that's filling and flavorful!"

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta
1-3/4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1-1/2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
1 can (6 ounces) pitted ripe olives, drained and halved
1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large serving bowl, combine the broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, olives and tomatoes., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 372mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

BEST POTLUCK PASTA SALAD

Best Potluck Pasta Salad image

This is a very good salad for a potluck, serves 16-18 as a side dish and can be made ahead of time; 12 to 24 hours. Chill time not included.

Provided by Barb G.

Categories Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 cups rotini pasta or 3 cups other desired pasta (8-ounces)
1 medium summer squash or 1 medium zucchini, halved lenghtwise and sliced (2 cups, you can use both.)
1 cup frozen peas or 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 medium red pepper, cut into strips
8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese or 8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
1 (6 ounce) can pitted ripe olives, drained and coarsely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano or 2 teaspoons basil, crushed
1 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette or 1 cup red wine vinaigrette dressing

Steps:

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
Rince with cold water; drain again.
In a large bowl combine, pasta, squash, peas, sweet pepper, cheese, olives tomatoes, onion, and oregano.
Add dressing to pasta mixture; toss gently to coat.
Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.

Tips:

Cook the Pasta Properly: For a perfect pasta salad, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. This will ensure that the pasta retains its shape and texture, even after it's been chilled.
Choose the Right Type of Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal for pasta salad. They hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.
Don't Overcrowd the Pot: When cooking the pasta, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will prevent the pasta from cooking evenly and becoming mushy.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best-tasting pasta salad, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This includes fresh vegetables, herbs, and a good quality dressing.
Chill the Salad Before Serving: After assembling the pasta salad, chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and ease of preparation, this potluck pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're looking for a side dish, a main course, or a potluck dish, this pasta salad has something for everyone. So next time you're in need of a quick and easy recipe, give this potluck pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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