Best 15 Cold Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing collection of cold pasta salad recipes. From classic Italian favorites to innovative fusion creations, this culinary journey offers a delectable array of options for every palate. Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our traditional Italian pasta salad, featuring a medley of colorful vegetables, succulent cured meats, and a tangy dressing that awakens the senses. For a taste of the Orient, embark on a culinary adventure with our Asian-inspired cold noodle salad, where delicate rice noodles are tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh aromatic herbs. If you crave a hearty and protein-packed meal, our chicken caesar pasta salad awaits you, combining succulent grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy, garlicky caesar dressing that will leave you craving more. And for a vegetarian delight, our roasted vegetable pasta salad showcases a vibrant mix of roasted vegetables, tossed with tender pasta and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. With so many enticing options to choose from, your taste buds will embark on a culinary adventure they won't soon forget.

Let's cook with our recipes!

COLD SHRIMP PASTA SALAD



Cold Shrimp Pasta Salad image

"This salad combines two of my favorite foods: pasta and shrimp. It 's a perfect side for a grilled steak but goes just as well with hamburgers and hot dogs. I've made this many times over the years." -Traci K Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups uncooked small pasta shells
1 pound cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1-1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup reduced-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, peas, green onions and parsley. Stir in the pasta. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 153mg cholesterol, Sodium 430mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A very fresh take on pasta salad. Tweak to your liking with different veggies.

Provided by Say-Rah

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 3h21m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

⅓ cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ tablespoons grated onion
1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
2 ½ cups water
2 cubes chicken bouillon
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
¼ cup chopped onion
1 (8 ounce) package vermicelli pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces
1 (14 ounce) can plain artichoke hearts, quartered
1 pint cherry tomatoes

Steps:

  • Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, grated onion, seasoned salt, and basil together in a bowl to make dressing. Transfer to the refrigerator.
  • Combine water and chicken bouillon cubes in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until bouillon cubes are dissolved, about 5 minutes. Add chicken breasts and onion; simmer until chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.
  • Transfer chicken to a cutting board using a slotted spoon. Reserve broth in the saucepan. Cool chicken until easily handled, 5 to 10 minutes. Chop coarsely.
  • Pour several cups of water into the reserved broth in the saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in vermicelli and cook until tender, about 6 minutes. Drain.
  • Mix dressing, chicken, and vermicelli together in a bowl. Add artichoke hearts and toss to combine. Refrigerate until flavors combine, 2 to 6 hours. Mix in tomatoes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 373.9 calories, Carbohydrate 39.7 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 14.7 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 898.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

ZESTY COLD CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Zesty Cold Chicken Pasta Salad image

A quick, easy, tasty, and colorful chicken pasta salad that looks as great as it tastes. Serve at room temperature or cool for at least 1 hour.

Provided by Krysie

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 23m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (8 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
½ teaspoon dried mustard
24 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
2 (5 ounce) cans chicken packed in water, drained
1 pinch paprika

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. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Mix mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, and dried mustard together in a large bowl. Mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, and chicken. Fold in rotini. Sprinkle paprika over salad before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 446.7 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Fat 7.3 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 27.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 1102.4 mg, Sugar 12.8 g

COLD PASTA PRIMAVERA SALAD FROM HIDDEN VALLEY®



Cold Pasta Primavera Salad from Hidden Valley® image

Rotini pasta and vegetables are tossed with ranch dressing in this cold pasta primavera salad that is perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Provided by Hidden Valley Ranch

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Hidden Valley®

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ (1 ounce) packet Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
½ cup milk
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
2 zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup frozen broccoli florets, steamed
1 red bell pepper or green bell pepper, cut into small chunks
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 medium radishes, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package rotini (corkscrew) pasta
2 tablespoons drained capers

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cool water and drain. Combine Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Salad® Dressing & Seasoning Mix with milk and mayonnaise in a bowl, creating 1 cup dressing.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the dressing together with the oil until emulsified.
  • In a large bowl, add the pasta and the remaining ingredients.
  • Add the dressing and toss until well coated.
  • Chill covered for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 763.9 calories, Carbohydrate 95.5 g, Cholesterol 12.9 mg, Fat 34.7 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 341.6 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

CHINESE COLD PASTA SALAD



Chinese Cold Pasta Salad image

A delicious, cold pasta served with a spicy peanut sauce.

Provided by Julie MacLaren

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
½ cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse and drain. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Mix well. Add pasta, sliced red pepper, scallions, and cilantro; toss to combine. Chill.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274.5 calories, Carbohydrate 47.5 g, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 10.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 537 mg, Sugar 4.5 g

COLD THAI PASTA SALAD



Cold Thai Pasta Salad image

Pasta salads can have a variety of textures and tastes. The flavours of Thailand are showcased in this tangy dressing. Crisp vegetables and tender linguine pasta fill the pasta bowl to enhance any potluck or picnic. From Emily Richardson at Food and Drink

Provided by Leslie

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces linguine
1 lb small cooked shrimp, tails and shells removed
1 cup bean sprouts
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
2 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped of fresh mint
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (optional)
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon asian chili paste

Steps:

  • Cook linguine in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 10 minutes or until tender but firm (al dente).
  • Drain and rinse under cold water and drain well. Place in large bowl.
  • Add shrimp, bean sprouts, red pepper, cucumber, onions, mint and coriander, if using.
  • To make Thai Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, lime juice and chili paste.
  • Pour over linguine, shrimp and vegetables and toss well to coat.
  • Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

GARDEN VEGETABLE COLD PASTA SALAD



GARDEN VEGETABLE COLD PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Pasta     Buffet     Healthy

Yield 6 bowls

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 lb. Pasta (mezzi rigatoni)
1 Yellow or Orange Pepper cut bitesized
1 Red Onion sliced thinly
6-7 Cloves Garlic minced
2-3 Hard Boiled Eggs, cut up
3-4 Radishes, sliced
1 can Lg. Black Olives,sliced
7 Cooked, Sliced Ital. Sausage
1 pt. Grape Tomatoes
1 reg. jar Roasted Red Pepper, cut up in pieces
Handful (1/2 C.)Basil chopped
Handful (1/2 C.)Parsley chopped
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Large Handful Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta al dente and drain. Add and mix some olive oil to coat the pasta and all the garlic and toss. Add all other ingredients (saving parsley and basil for last) Add additional olive oil and parmesan/romano to taste. Cover and chill til serving. Good to use at parties, for a dinner accompanied with a salad, and for a lunch dish. To keep this a vegetarian dish simply omit the italian sausage.

ZESTY COLD PASTA SALAD



Zesty Cold Pasta Salad image

There are many ways to make this however i haven't found one on here. I didn't look too hard but the way I make it is not listed. Feel free to add and remove the veggies you do not like or just use what you have on hand I'm doing the basic structure of how i do this for a cheap quick side dish to any meal. You can buy the suddenly salads and make it too. Please note: 2oz is the average sizes for pasta.. i suggest using your best judgement in how much you want to make I scale it up slightly so I can have left overs with left over chicken added in for a great lunch.

Provided by Pril4904

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 ounces pasta (any type)
1 medium cucumber
1 large tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes)
1 medium bell pepper
4 sprigs flat leaf parsley (use the stems too)
1 small onion (optional)
2 tablespoons Italian dressing (i use zesty Italian dressing just ensure it's coated on everything some use olive oil)

Steps:

  • boil water add salt to water if you desire (i also add a bit of oil) add pasta once boiling. cook till pasta is to your liking.
  • While the pasta is cooking, Cut up your cucumber, tomatoes, pepper, parsley into bit sized pieces. Place them your dish to mix and serve.
  • drain the pasta, and run them over cold water. Drain more.
  • Check pasta to ensure it's cold add to bowl adding the Italian dressing mix and serve. (note always better the next day).

COLD TUNA SALAD WITH PASTA



Cold Tuna Salad with Pasta image

I love both tuna and pasta. While working for Weight Watchers I created this recipe for my members. It was greeted with rave reviews!

Provided by Linda Stevens

Categories     Tuna Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 oz whole grain pasta shells
2 can(s) tuna, packed in water, drained
1 Tbsp onion flakes, dehydrated
1 1/3 c peas, frozen
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 c light mayonnaise
1/2 c cheese, shredded, fat free

Steps:

  • 1. Boil pasta and rinse in cold water.
  • 2. Drain cans of tuna and place in bowl with lid.
  • 3. Combine the two: pasta and tuna.
  • 4. Re-hydrate minced onion flakes with 2 T. warm water.
  • 5. While onion is re-hydrating, place frozen peas in a microwave safe bowl with 1/3 c. water. Cover and microwave for 3 minutes. Rinse peas in cold water and add to pasta and tuna mixture.
  • 6. Add the shredded cheese.
  • 7. Strain any excess liquid off the onion and add along with the black pepper to mixture.
  • 8. Add mayonnaise last and stir thoroughly. Cover and let chill in refrigerator. Makes 5 generous 1/2 cup servings.
  • 9. I will usually scoop a 1/2 cup onto a large lettuce leaf, but it is also good served with crackers.

EASY COLD PASTA SALAD



Easy Cold Pasta Salad image

Great for brunch, luncheons, or whatever. Easy and quick to make. I find that this salad is always popular at get-togethers and usually disappears rather quickly...

Provided by Minnie K

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Rotini Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

14 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
2 cucumbers, chopped
½ onion, finely chopped
10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
¾ cup pitted black olives, sliced
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the rotini, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and cool by running cold water over the pasta in a colander set in the sink.
  • Combine cooked and cooled pasta with the cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, and olives in a large bowl. Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 7.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 608.3 mg, Sugar 4.9 g

HUMMUS 'PESTO' COLD PASTA SALAD



HUMMUS 'PESTO' COLD PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Bean     Brunch     Freeze/Chill     Vegetarian

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 15oz cans of Garbanzo Beans with juice
4 or 5 cloves garlic (or more to taste)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
1/3 cup Tahini
water as needed
1/2 cup chopped greek black olives
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
5 to 8 green onions, sliced thinly
1/2 a large red onion, diced small
1/4 cup Bertolli olive oil
1 pound package spaghetti or fettucine
1 tbs. Bertolli olive oil

Steps:

  • Break spacghetti into thirds and cook al dente. Run under cold water. Toss with a tablespoon of Bertolli olive oil to keep it from sticking. Put the first seven ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until a paste about the same consistency as pesto is created, adding water a tablespoon at a time if needed. (Lean to the thin side, remember the hummus will get firmer when chilled.) Pour hummus over the pasta and toss until coated. Chill. Before serving, toss in the tomatoes, onions, and olives. Drizzle with the 1/4 cup of Bertolli olive oil. Serve and enjoy.

COLD PASTA PRIMAVERA SALAD RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Cold Pasta Primavera Salad Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by MJH

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup sliced radishes
1 (16 ounce) package rotini (corkscrew) pasta
1 cup cherry tomato halves
1 cup frozen broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
1 red or green bell pepper, cut into small chunks
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 tablespoons capers, drained (optional)
3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cool water and drain well. In a small bowl whisk the oil together with the seasoning mix until emulsified. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the remaining ingredients. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss until well coated. Chill covered for at least 1 hour before serving.

HOT OR COLD PASTA SALAD



Hot or Cold Pasta Salad image

This recipe is from cookbook #1. Easy recipe and any ingredients can be added or subtracted according to family likes and dislikes.Great for buffet or cookout as it is good hot or cold.

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories     Salads

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb ground beef
1/2 c chopped onion
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 dash(es) cayenne pepper, optional
1 lb pkg. pasta elbow or spiral, cooked and drained
3/4 c grated sharp cheese
3/4 c hot water
10 oz pkg. frozen green peas, rinsed under hot water
2 c chopped celery
1/4 c sweet pickle relish or corn relish
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 c chopped or sliced black or green olives or both
1/2 c miracle whip salad dressing or ranch dressing
1 tsp dry mustard
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp granulated sugar,optional

Steps:

  • 1. Cook and stir ground beef and onion in electric skillet or a large 10-inch skillet until meat is no longer pink; add worcestershire sauce and a dash of cayenne pepper if desired.
  • 2. Stir in cooked and drained pasta, cheese and water. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cover and simmer,for 5 minutes.
  • 3. Mix peas, celery, relish, tomato and olives in a small bowl. In a large bowl combine and whisk together the salad dressing, mustard, lemon juice,and sugar,if using.
  • 4. Stir ground beef mixture and vegetables into the salad dressing mixture. Serve immediately or ,if desired, cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 3 hours. Stir and serve.

ERIN'S COLD PASTA SALAD



Erin's Cold Pasta Salad image

This is a super easy, yet yummy cold pasta salad. It's great as a side-dish or for a potluck and best when made a day ahead, although not a must so long as you give it some time in the refrigerator for the flavors to absorb. Measurements are approximate and can be experimented with...you really can't mess this one up!

Provided by Noni Suzanne

Categories     Potluck

Time 2h30m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb bow tie pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 (3 7/8 ounce) can olives, drained and sliced
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, diced
1/2 cup julienne cut sun-dried tomato, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
14 ounces bernstein's Italian dressing (cheese and garlic)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Add olives, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes and feta cheese.
  • Pour dressing over mixture, toss well and refrigerate.
  • You may use more dressing after chilling for a bit, if needed.
  • (cooking time is chilling time, and is better if chilled over night).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 423.6, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 56.2, Sodium 1152.2, Carbohydrate 51.3, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 7.1, Protein 10.9

CHINESE COLD PASTA SALAD



CHINESE COLD PASTA SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Pasta

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Rinse and drain. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Mix well. Add pasta, sliced red pepper, scallions, and cilantro; toss to combine. Chill.

Tips:

  • Use the freshest ingredients possible. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Let the pasta cool completely before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
  • Use a variety of colorful vegetables in your salad. This will make it more visually appealing and nutritious.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. There are many different types of dressings that can be used on pasta salad, so find one that you like and enjoy.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or backyard barbecues. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta. With so many different variations to choose from, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.

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