Best 2 Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Italy with our delectable Pasta Salad recipes. This collection features a medley of authentic and easy-to-follow dishes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine. From the classic Tricolore Salad with its vibrant green, white, and red hues to the luscious Italian Pasta Salad bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a tangy dressing, these recipes promise an explosion of flavors in every bite. Discover the secrets of crafting the perfect pasta salad, whether you prefer a light and refreshing dish with grilled vegetables or a hearty and satisfying meal with grilled chicken or shrimp. Each recipe is carefully curated to provide a unique culinary experience, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of Italian culinary artistry.

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

EASY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD

Easy Italian Pasta Salad image

This salad is easy to make and everyone loves it!

Provided by slopez5084

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package bow-tie pasta
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
2 (6 ounce) cans sliced black olives
5 stalks celery, chopped
1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian-style salad dressing, or more to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the bow-tie pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse pasta in cold water until cool; drain.
Toss drained pasta, tomatoes, green bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, black olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
Pour Italian-style dressing over the pasta mixture; toss to coat.
Chill salad 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.1 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 456.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

EASY ITALIAN SALAMI PASTA SALAD

Easy Italian Salami Pasta Salad image

This is a recipe that is easy to make from ingredients that are often in the fridge/ storecupboard. If it is served straight after the minimum 30 minute chill time, you may find that there is a lot of dressing in the salad- this is so that it doesn't dry out if it is stored in the fridge for a few days. Serves 4 as a side dish but this would also make a good take-to work lunch or potluck dish.

Provided by Shuzbud

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups dry pasta (I use fusilli)
8 large slice salami (4oz)
10 -15 black olives
1/2 cup rehydrated sun-dried tomato
1 yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, very finely grated
salt and pepper
10 -15 leaves fresh basil

Steps:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, cut the salami into strips. Slice the black olives and dice the sundried tomatoes and bell pepper. Set all these ingredients aside.
In a large salad bowl, mix the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Whisk with a fork (or whisk) until they are completely blended and the dressing is a uniform colour throughout.
Add the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to the dressing and mix.
When the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat. Drain it and rinse it in cold water until the pasta is cold. Drain it again.
Add the cooled pasta and the chopped ingredients to the dressing in the bowl. Stir well to mix the ingredients together.
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
Just before serving, scatter chopped fresh basil leaves over the top.

Tips:

Use high-quality pasta for the best flavor and texture. Look for pasta that is made with durum wheat and has a slightly rough surface, which will help the dressing adhere better.
Cook the pasta al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
Use a variety of vegetables in your pasta salad to add color, flavor, and texture. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and artichoke hearts.
Add some protein to your pasta salad to make it a more complete meal. Good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Use a flavorful dressing to tie all the ingredients together. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper is a good option, or you can use a more flavorful dressing, such as pesto or sun-dried tomato dressing.
Serve the pasta salad immediately or chill it for later. If you are chilling the salad, be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

Italian pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With so many different variations, there is sure to be an Italian pasta salad recipe that everyone will love.