Best 4 Easy Pasta Salad For A Crowd Recipes
Pasta salad is a versatile and refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or BBQs. Made with cooked pasta, a variety of vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, pasta salad is easy to make and can be customized to suit any dietary preferences or taste. This article features a collection of easy pasta salad recipes that are sure to please a crowd. From classic Italian pasta salad to Greek pasta salad, there's a recipe here for everyone. All the recipes are simple to follow and use fresh, flavorful ingredients. Whether you're looking for a light and tangy pasta salad or a more hearty and filling one, you're sure to find a recipe here that you'll love. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get started!
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
PASTA SALAD FOR A CROWD
This is my go-to pasta salad recipe for a crowd! It's great for showers, picnics, parties, you name it! My mother-in-law taught me to make it. It is easy and very versatile. Today I made it for an event, and I decided to keep track of the measurements so that it could be shared with others who may need a large crowd pasta salad recipe. Hope you enjoy! Better when refrigerated overnight.
Provided by KLATIME
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 70
Number Of Ingredients 9
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.
- While pasta is boiling, steam broccoli, one bag at a time, in a microwave per directions on the package, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Rinse cooked pasta in a colander until completely cool. Return to the pot. Add broccoli, tomatoes, salad dressing, Cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. Refrigerate until chilled, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Serve cold.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.3 calories, Carbohydrate 17.2 g, Cholesterol 6.8 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 353.9 mg, Sugar 2.1 g
QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD
This easy pasta salad is flexible based on the ingredients you have in your kitchen or the season. Start with a hearty pasta shape that has nooks and crannies to hold onto the dressing like rotini or penne. Then toss with our simple dressing and lots of colorful vegetables. We also love adding parmesan cheese, which melts into the dressing as well as a handful of fresh mozzarella balls. For more suggestions for what to add, read through our recommendations in the article above.
Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher
Categories Side Dish, Salad
Time 20m
Yield Makes about 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 10 minutes (check the package for recommended cook time). Drain and rinse well under cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, in the bottom of a large bowl, make the dressing. Whisk the red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, pepperoncini juice (if using), and the olive oil until blended. Add the drained and rinsed pasta to the dressing and mix well.
- Stir in the bell pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, scallions, pepperoncini (if using), olives, parmesan, mozzarella, and the herbs (if using). Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve or for the best results, cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1/10 of the salad, Calories 363, Fat 19.1g, SaturatedFat 5.1g, Cholesterol 18.3mg, Sodium 507.1mg, Carbohydrate 36.6g, Fiber 2.3g, Sugar 2g, Protein 11.7g
EASY PASTA SALAD FOR A CROWD
Spinach, peppers and onions mingle with tangy feta cheese in this simple pasta salad. Feel free to make it ahead of time, so it's ready when you are.-Jacquelyn Saintjohn, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 30m
Yield 13 servings (3/4 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients., Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; add to the spinach mixture. Toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts :
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
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, and farfalle are ideal for pasta salad because they hold sauce and toppings well. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they tend to get tangled and difficult to eat in a salad.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is cooked until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when it is chilled for the salad.
- Rinse the pasta with cold water: After cooking, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, texture, and flavor to pasta salad. Choose a variety of vegetables that you enjoy, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Don't skimp on the dressing: The dressing is what brings the pasta salad together. Use a flavorful dressing that you enjoy, such as a vinaigrette, pesto, or creamy dressing.
- Add some protein: Protein can help make pasta salad a more satisfying meal. Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your salad.
- Chill the salad before serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become more refreshing.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for a crowd. It is easy to make ahead of time and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that everyone will enjoy.
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