Best 2 Christmas Pasta Salad Recipes
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious pasta salad? This colorful and festive dish is perfect for a holiday party or potluck. And the best part is, it's easy to make.
Our Christmas Pasta Salad recipe is packed with flavor and texture. It features a combination of cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, cured meats, and a tangy dressing. We also have variations on this recipe, including a vegetarian version, a gluten-free version, and a kid-friendly version. So no matter what your dietary restrictions are, you can enjoy this delicious dish.
Our recipes are easy to follow and include step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. We also provide a printable recipe card for each recipe, so you can easily save and share them. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!
CHRISTMAS PASTA SALAD
The orzo in this salad is reminiscent of pine needles and when dressed in pesto brings a lovely green hue. Perlini mozzarella balls become ornaments, as do cherry tomatoes and ribbons of basil and pepperoni. I do not add salt as I find the pepperoni and pesto to be ample enough. Additional toppings to consider are slivers of red onion, black olives, and diced green bell pepper. I don't like balsamic vinegar, thus the lemon juice.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 8h35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook orzo in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add pesto and lemon juice to the orzo; toss to coat. Mix in tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, and pepperoni strips. Refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
- Mix in basil right before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330.8 calories, Carbohydrate 43.8 g, Cholesterol 19.9 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 14.7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 288.8 mg, Sugar 2.5 g
CHRISTMAS PASTA SALAD
Thanks to its festive colors, this pasta salad will shine bright on your holiday table. For the vibrant green dressing, we jazzed up traditional basil pesto with spinach and almonds. A couple tablespoons of white wine vinegar go into the whole dish for extra tang. The pesto can be made three days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 35m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with cold water. Drop the broccoli into the boiling water and cook until crisp-tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and plunge into the cold water to stop the cooking. Let sit until cool, then drain and set aside.
- Return the water in the pot to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to the package directions for al dente. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Toss the pasta with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to coat evenly and refrigerate until cooled completely, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil to a blender with the spinach, Parmesan, almonds, basil, lemon juice, chives and 1/4 cup water and puree until completely smooth. Pour the pesto over top of the pasta and add the reserved broccoli, red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently until well combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with more chopped chives. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 4 hours.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. Look for ripe vegetables, crisp herbs, and a good quality cheese.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta that is cooked al dente will hold its shape better in the salad and won't get mushy. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but be sure to check it a few minutes before the recommended cooking time is up.
- Let the pasta cool before adding the other ingredients: This will help to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy. You can rinse the pasta with cold water to speed up the cooling process.
- Use a light dressing: A heavy dressing will weigh down the pasta salad and make it less refreshing. Aim for a dressing that is light and flavorful, such as a vinaigrette or a pesto.
- Add some crunch: Crunchy vegetables, nuts, or seeds will add texture and flavor to your pasta salad. Some good options include bell peppers, celery, carrots, radishes, almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds.
- Season to taste: Be sure to taste your pasta salad before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or dressing.
Conclusion:
Christmas pasta salad is a delicious and festive dish that is perfect for any holiday gathering. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its colorful ingredients and refreshing flavor, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next party.
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