Best 3 Classic Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

**A Refreshing Classic: Italian Pasta Salad Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds**

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our collection of classic pasta salad recipes. These delightful dishes combine perfectly cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, savory meats, and tangy dressings to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a potluck gathering, or simply seeking a light and satisfying meal, our pasta salad recipes offer a versatile and delicious option for any occasion. From the classic Italian pasta salad featuring a medley of colorful vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette, to the hearty and protein-packed chicken or shrimp pasta salad, each recipe promises a unique culinary journey. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these flavorful and satisfying pasta salad creations!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 8 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2-1/2 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
1/2 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, refrigerate, then stir in 1/4 cup additional Wish-Bone Dressing before serving.
For a Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, substitute 1/2 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise for 1/2 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing.
Also terrific with Wish-Bone® Robusto Italian, Fat Free! Italian, House Italian, Ranch, Light Ranch, Fat Free! Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Red Wine Vinaigrette or Fat Free! Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressings.
See nutrition information for sodium content.

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Wish-Bone

Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Wish-Bone®

Time 20m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2 ½ cups assorted cut-up vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
½ cup cubed Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.2 g, Cholesterol 9.1 mg, Fat 12.2 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 598 mg, Sugar 4.2 g

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Classic Italian Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Charlotte J

Categories Peppers

Time 28m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta, cooked (about 1 cup dry)
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 cup provolone cheese, cubed
1 carrot, cut into julienne strips
1/4 cup red onion, minced
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can pitted black olives, sliced
1/4 lb salami, chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
3 -4 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (to taste)

Steps:

Combine all salad ingredients in a serving bowl.
Whisk first 6 dressing ingredients together.
Add basil to dressing.
Pour over pasta and toss to coat.
Season to taste.
Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Toss again before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.8, Fat 36.1, SaturatedFat 11.4, Cholesterol 42.9, Sodium 1096.2, Carbohydrate 58.5, Fiber 12.1, Sugar 5.9, Protein 22.6

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make all the difference in your pasta salad. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender pasta.
Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is slightly firm to the bite and will hold its shape well in the salad.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad: This will prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming mushy.
Use a light, flavorful dressing: A simple vinaigrette or pesto is a great option for dressing pasta salad. Avoid heavy, creamy dressings, which can weigh down the salad.
Add a variety of vegetables and herbs: Vegetables and herbs add color, flavor, and texture to pasta salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, artichokes, basil, oregano, and parsley.
Don't overcrowd the salad: Too many ingredients can make the salad difficult to eat and overwhelm the flavors.
Serve the salad chilled: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld and the salad will be more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Classic Italian pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With its colorful ingredients, light dressing, and refreshing flavor, it is sure to be a hit with everyone.

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