Best 5 Cheesy Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with this comprehensive guide to cheesy pasta salad recipes. From classic macaroni salads to unique takes on this beloved dish, this article offers a diverse collection of recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. Discover the art of combining tender pasta, creamy sauces, and an array of flavorful ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

Dive into the classic macaroni salad recipe, a timeless favorite that brings nostalgia and comfort to the table. Learn the secrets of achieving the perfect balance between tangy dressing, tender macaroni, and crisp vegetables. Explore variations that incorporate different types of pasta, from penne to farfalle, adding a touch of elegance to your salad.

For a more substantial meal, try the chicken and bacon cheesy pasta salad recipe. Succulent chicken and crispy bacon add a protein-packed punch to this hearty salad. Experiment with different types of cheese, from sharp cheddar to creamy mozzarella, to create a customized flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.

If you're seeking a vegetarian delight, the broccoli and cheddar cheesy pasta salad is an absolute must-try. Tender broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese blend seamlessly with a creamy dressing, resulting in a vibrant and flavorful salad that's both healthy and satisfying.

Craving a touch of Italian inspiration? Look no further than the Italian cheesy pasta salad recipe. This vibrant salad boasts a medley of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty Italian dressing, capturing the essence of Italy in every bite.

For a unique twist, venture into the world of Asian flavors with the Asian cheesy pasta salad recipe. A harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger creates a savory and slightly sweet dressing that perfectly complements the tender pasta and crunchy vegetables.

Explore the depths of cheesy goodness with the ultimate cheesy pasta salad recipe. This extravagant salad showcases a generous blend of four types of cheese, each contributing its distinct flavor and texture to create an unforgettable culinary experience.

Embark on a culinary adventure as you discover the many facets of cheesy pasta salad. Whether you prefer classic flavors or crave something more adventurous, this article has a recipe that will satisfy your cravings. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and create unforgettable meals that will become family favorites.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD RECIPE



Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe image

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups fusilli noodles
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup ranch dressing
4 green onions (chopped)
6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, green onions, bacon, garlic salt, onion powder, and pepper until well combined.
  • Add your cooled noodles and cheddar cheese.
  • Mix until well combined. Place in fridge for about 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Servingsize 1 serving, Calories 2152 kcal, Fat 95 g, SaturatedFat 42 g, Cholesterol 171 mg, Sodium 2701 mg, Carbohydrate 247 g, Sugar 20 g, Protein 70 mg

CREAMY, CHEESY PASTA SALAD



Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Salad image

I love cheese in a pasta salad - good with BBQ or for a picnic, or any time you want a creamy pasta salad!

Provided by LorenLou

Categories     Cheese

Time 2h20m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and drained
3 dill pickles, finely chopped
3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
3 celery ribs, sliced thinly
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, diced into 1/4 inch cubes
1 cup mayonnaise (can use low-fat Hellmann's or Kraft)
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar or 1/4 cup Splenda sugar substitute
1/4 cup cider vinegar
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Gently toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • Set aside.
  • For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise and milk.
  • Then add the sugar and vinegar.
  • Stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to combine.
  • Refrigerate at least 2 hours Overnight is even better.

CHEESY BACON RANCH PASTA SALAD



Cheesy Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad image

Working at a pizza shop in high school, I loved a recipe similar to this. After years of trying to duplicate it, I think I've come about as close as I'm going to get, and I love it. There are many variations on ingredients that will make it healthier, but I suggest trying the original first since it is sinfully delicious.

Provided by 921195

Categories     Pork

Time 20m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (20 ounce) package cheese tortellini
1 lb bacon
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) package cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing (more may be used according to personal preference)

Steps:

  • Slice bacon into thin strips (1/2 - 1 inches in width). Separate slices and place into a preheated frying pan.
  • While bacon is browning, prepare the tortellini's according to the package's directions. When the tortellini's are fully cooked, run under cool water, drain, and set aside to cool.
  • When the bacon is fully cooked, carefully drain the grease and spread the bacon pieces onto paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside to cool.
  • Slice the tomatoes in half.
  • In a large bowl, combine the tortellini's, bacon, tomatoes, cheese and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour, but as much as 2 days.
  • When ready to serve, you may add the extra ranch dressing if you wish.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 746.4, Fat 55.7, SaturatedFat 19.4, Cholesterol 106.2, Sodium 1181.6, Carbohydrate 36.9, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 3, Protein 23.9

CHEESY PASTA SALAD



Cheesy Pasta Salad image

This creamy pasta salad came about when I combined ingredients from two different recipes. It got rave reviews when I served it at a baby shower.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 package (8 ounces) spiral pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
1-1/2 cups cubed Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
2/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Lettuce leaves, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, pasta, cheese, celery and grapes. In a small bowl, combine next seven ingredients. Pour over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve; toss with pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 384 calories, Fat 28g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

CHEESY CHICKEN-SPINACH PASTA SALAD



Cheesy Chicken-Spinach Pasta Salad image

Hot summer nights call for cool salads such as this. I created the recipe by accident one day when tossing together whatever ingredients I had on hand.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-3/4 cups uncooked small pasta shells
4 cups baby spinach
2-1/2 cups julienned cooked chicken
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts
DRESSING:
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced chives
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
Dash each garlic powder and cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse in cold water and drain well. In a large bowl, gently toss the pasta, spinach, chicken, blue cheese and pine nuts. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes for a more interesting texture.
  • Cook the pasta al dente so that it retains a slight bite.
  • Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
  • Add a variety of vegetables to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use a light vinaigrette dressing so that the flavors of the pasta and vegetables can shine through.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.

Conclusion:

Cheesy pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a cheesy pasta salad recipe that everyone will love.

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