Best 5 Classic Pasta Salad Recipes

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From simple backyard cookouts to elaborate holiday feasts, pasta salad is a versatile dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. With countless variations, it can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary restriction. This classic pasta salad recipe is a great starting point for those new to making this dish. It features a medley of colorful vegetables, hearty pasta, and a tangy dressing that complements the other flavors perfectly. For those looking for something a little more substantial, the article also includes a recipe for a chicken pasta salad which includes succulent grilled chicken breast. If you're following a vegetarian diet, the recipe for pasta salad with roasted vegetables is a delightful option that showcases the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables. And for those who love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, the recipe for Hawaiian pasta salad, with its pineapple and ham, is sure to satisfy. No matter your preference, this article has a pasta salad recipe that will tantalize your taste buds.

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

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

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 PASTA SALAD



Classic Pasta Salad image

A classic, light pasta salad featuring Italian dressing. I much prefer it to a the heavy mayo-based varieties. Fast, simple, and easy to make in bulk for parties.

Provided by Brian Genest

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package tricolor rotini pasta
1 ½ cups Italian-style salad dressing
½ cup diced pepperoni
½ cup diced salami
½ cup diced Cheddar cheese
½ cup diced Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅓ cup sliced black olives
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
½ medium cucumber, diced
⅓ medium red onion, diced

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Strain pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process; you don't want it to be mushy. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add salad dressing, pepperoni, salami, Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, feta cheese, black olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the pasta; toss to combine.
  • Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.5 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 32.4 mg, Fat 20.3 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 939.8 mg, Sugar 4 g

CLASSIC PICNIC PASTA SALAD



Classic Picnic Pasta Salad image

Bulk up this delicious pasta salad with broccoli, peas, ham and provolone.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup bite-sized broccoli florets
8 ounces dried fusilli pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup diced ham
1/2 cup diced provolone
1/4 cup sliced pitted black olives
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup diced salami

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, parsley, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper together in a large bowl.
  • Cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander. Run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Three minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the pot. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Add to the bowl.
  • Add the ham, provolone, olives, onion and salami to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

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

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 vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality pasta will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and lose its flavor.
  • Chill the pasta before assembling the salad: This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming soggy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to your salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and celery.
  • Don't overload the salad with dressing: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Too much dressing will make the salad greasy and heavy.
  • Garnish the salad with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor to your salad. Some good options include basil, parsley, and oregano.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love.

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