Best 3 Familys Favorite Pasta Salad Recipes
In the realm of summer cookouts and potlucks, there exists a dish that effortlessly steals the show, a dish that unites pasta lovers of all ages and backgrounds: pasta salad. This vibrant and versatile dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, a delightful medley of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, succulent meats, and tangy dressings.
In this culinary adventure, we'll embark on a journey to explore the diverse world of pasta salads, unveiling three tantalizing recipes that cater to every palate and dietary preference. First, we'll dive into the classic Italian pasta salad, a harmonious blend of colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, peppery arugula, and tender mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a vibrant Italian dressing.
Next, we'll venture into the realm of Greek flavors with a Mediterranean pasta salad, a delightful ensemble of sun-kissed cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all harmoniously united by a zesty lemon-oregano dressing.
Finally, we'll indulge in the hearty goodness of a chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, a symphony of flavors featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, crunchy celery, red grapes, and creamy avocado, all generously coated in a rich and indulgent ranch dressing.
So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and let's embark on this culinary journey, where each bite of pasta salad is a celebration of flavor and a testament to the versatility of this beloved dish.
ROTINI PASTA SALAD
This pasta salad is perfect for entertaining, picnics, potlucks, or just every day at home. The flavors are fresh, delicious, and perfect for a flavorful lunch, or dinner side.
Provided by Kimber
Categories Side Dish
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook the pasta per package directions. Drain pasta and run under cold water, then place pasta in a large bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking prep the remaining ingredients. When it is done, mix in the cheese, peppers, tomatoes, onion, pepperoni, and basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill, then toss before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 0.5 cup, Calories 356 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 37 mg, Sodium 649 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 4 g
FAMILY FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD (QUICK & EASY)
This is a wonderful, tasty, semi-homemade, go-to salad recipe that I use often in the spring and summer. Delicious as a side salad, light lunch or potluck dish when you are asked to bring a salad. Can be made as a light, healthy, low-cal dish by simply swapping out the full-fat mayo with light or fat-free mayo. Feel free to add...
Provided by Family Favorites
Categories Salads
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. So easy! Cook pasta according to package instructions. In large bowl, combine coleslaw, mayo, onion, dill and salt and pepper (if using). Gently stir in crab meat.
- 2. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
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:
- For the best flavor, use freshly cooked pasta. If you're using dried pasta, be sure to cook it al dente, so it still has a slight bite to it.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. You want them to be crisp and tender, not mushy.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your pasta salad. This will add color, flavor, and texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. There are many different ways to make a delicious pasta salad dressing, so find one that you like and stick with it.
- Serve pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It's a great dish for potlucks and picnics because it can be made ahead of time.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta and vegetables, and it's also a perfect dish for summer potlucks and picnics. With so many different variations available, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love.
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