Best 4 Classic Picnic Pasta Salad Recipes
In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, there's one dish that reigns supreme – the classic picnic pasta salad. This versatile and vibrant dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring perfectly cooked pasta, an array of crisp vegetables, savory meats, and a tangy dressing that brings it all together. Whether you prefer a traditional rendition or a modern twist, there's a pasta salad recipe in this article that will tantalize your taste buds. From the timeless charm of the Classic Picnic Pasta Salad to the zesty kick of the Spicy Italian Pasta Salad, and the refreshing lightness of the Greek Orzo Salad, each recipe offers a unique take on this picnic staple. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that will make your next picnic an unforgettable experience.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CLASSIC PASTA SALAD (FOR A CROWD)
This classic pasta salad is made with a tri-color rotini, filled with vegetables and cheeses, and coated in a scratch-made vinaigrette. The perfect recipe to feed a crowd.
Provided by Heather
Categories Side Dish
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and rinse with cold water until pasta is room temperature. Place pasta in a large bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, mozzarella, parmesan, and olives to the bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Pour vinaigrette over pasta salad, then toss to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Pasta salad will keep for 3-4 days, refrigerated in a sealed container. Pasta WILL continue to soak up the dressing the longer it sits, so it may need a splash of olive oil and vinegar if it has been sitting for several hours.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 0.75 cup, Calories 283 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 13 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 32 mg, Sodium 732 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g
CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD
My family's not big on traditional pasta salads made with mayonnaise, so when I served this colorful version that uses Italian dressing, it was a big hit. This crowd-pleaser is loaded with vegetables, beans and tricolor pasta. It's one of the best picnic salad ideas! -Felicia Fiocchi, Vineland, New Jersey
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 25m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 411 calories, Fat 23g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 1156mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 18g protein.
THE PERFECT PICNIC PASTA SALAD
Pasta salad is almost always the most disappointing side dish at the picnic or cookout, but this recipe shows you how to transform what is normally an "afterthought" to a dish that's good enough to enjoy on its own, or as the perfect complement to grilled meat. Top this with extra fresh chopped herbs if you like.
Provided by Chef John
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Pasta by Shape Recipes
Time 3h45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Whisk Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and cayenne together in a large bowl for about 30 seconds. Whisk in olive oil in 1-teaspoon increments until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon, dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. Remove and reserve 1/2 of the dressing in a separate small bowl.
- 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. Add snow peas, carrots, peas, and broccoli about 2 minutes before the pasta is done. Drain pasta and veggies well, but do not rinse.
- Transfer hot pasta mixture to the vinaigrette in the large mixing bowl and toss well to combine. Let rest for 5 minutes and toss again. Toss occasionally until the mixture is almost room temperature, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green onions, salt, and the reserved dressing and toss well.
- Wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving. Toss and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.9 calories, Carbohydrate 50.9 g, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 9.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.9 g, Sodium 641.6 mg, Sugar 5.3 g
PICNIC PASTA SALAD
I like recipes that use what we grow. This particular recipe has been handed down in our family for years. I can't go to a picnic without it. -Luana Francis, Columbia Station, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 15m
Yield 6-8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a large bowl, toss pasta, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and olives; set aside. In a jar with tight-fitting lid, combine all of the dressing ingredients; cover and shake well. Drizzle over salad; lightly toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 427mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your pasta salad. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tender cooked pasta.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is the best choice for pasta salad. Cook it according to the package directions, then drain and rinse it immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Let the pasta salad cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing better.
- Pack the pasta salad carefully for your picnic: Use a sturdy container that will keep the pasta salad from getting crushed. You can also pack the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Conclusion:
Whether you are going on a picnic or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, classic picnic pasta salad is the perfect choice. It is a delicious, refreshing, and portable dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make the best picnic pasta salad that will be the star of your next outdoor gathering. So next time you are planning a picnic, be sure to give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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