Best 9 Giannas Blue Cheese Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with Giada's Blue Cheese Pasta Salad, a tantalizing dish that combines the richness of blue cheese with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the comforting texture of pasta. This delectable salad is a perfect blend of creamy and tangy, with a delightful crunch from the celery, carrots, and red onion. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even as a main course with some grilled chicken or fish. This recipe is just one of the many culinary delights featured in this article, which offers a diverse collection of pasta salad recipes to satisfy any palate. From the classic Italian Pasta Salad to the vibrant Greek Orzo Salad and the hearty Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, each recipe promises a unique taste experience. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing or a tangy vinaigrette, there's a pasta salad recipe here that will tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

BLUE CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Blue Cheese Pasta Salad image

Blue cheese lovers celebrate! A blue cheese vinaigrette tossed with your favorite veggies: cherry tomatoes, crisp broccoli, avocado, and toasted almonds. For a lighter, less strong flavor, you can substitute feta cheese.

Provided by Carey | World of Pastabilities

Time 28m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

7-8 ounces of short pasta (I used our Dollar Sign shapes! About half a bag)
1 head broccoli, cut small florets only
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (I used red and yellow tomatoes for color)
1-2 avocados, diced
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds + more for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, julienned, for garnish (optional)
1 cup dressing (see below)
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing:
4 green onions, chopped
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar (can sub white wine vinegar)
1 cup blue cheese crumbles (or substitute feta cheese for a lighter taste)
1 t. kosher salt
1/2 t. black pepper

Steps:

  • Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined, or place all ingredients in a mason jar or jelly jar with lid on tight, and shake until combined. May make ahead a few days and store in fridge.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse with cold water.
  • Combine pasta with broccoli, tomatoes, avocado, and almonds and toss with dressing.
  • Serve and top with additional toasted almonds and fresh basil if desired.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste!

PASTA SALAD BLUE CHEESE W/ ITALIAN DRESSING



Pasta Salad blue cheese w/ Italian dressing image

Started cooking pasta, thinking about what I have on hand. Already had sliced olives already done up from a previous event. Wanting to use up cherry tomatoes and celery. Had just gotten Smoked Blue Cheese last week...'cause I craved it. Looked up a simple Italian dressing from another cookbook and presto done

Provided by Denise Miles

Categories     Pasta Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 lb 16 oz spiral pasta
3-4 stalk(s) celery stalks-sliced or diced
1 pt grape tomatoes cut or sliced
4 oz smoked crumbled blue cheese
3/4 c sliced olives
EASY ITALIAN DRESSING
1/4 c water
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
3 pinches of sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/8 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Cook Pasta until al Dente'. Drain and Rinse pasta with cool water..as cool as it can be for people in the south. Ha Ha
  • 2. Add Pasta, Tomatoes, Olives, Celery, Crumbled Blue cheese. Toss .
  • 3. In a small glass pitcher, whisk dressing ingredients until it's incorporated good. Pour dressing over pasta. Toss to coat. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Serve and Enjoy!

PASTA SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE & WALNUTS



Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts image

Put a steakhouse-style spin on your next cold pasta salad with toasted walnuts and tangy crumbled blue cheese.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/2 cups medium pasta shells, uncooked
2 cups halved red grapes
4 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 pkg. (4.5 oz.) ATHENOS Crumbled Blue Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Drain. Toss pasta, grapes and onions in large bowl.
  • Mix dressing and juice until blended. Add to pasta mixture with nuts and cheese; toss to evenly coat.
  • Refrigerate 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 300, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Sodium 380 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 10 g

BLUE CHEESE PASTA



Blue cheese pasta image

A great pasta dish that uses up your Christmas storecupboard faves

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Snack, Supper

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

400g penne pasta
25g butter
1 onion , thinly sliced
1 garlic clove , crushed
1 tbsp fresh chopped sage , or 1 tsp dried
100g stilton , cubed
handful toasted walnuts , chopped

Steps:

  • Boil the pasta according to pack instructions. In a saucepan, melt the butter, then gently fry the onion until golden. Add the garlic and sage, fry for a further 2 mins, then remove the pan from the heat. Drain the pasta and reserve some cooking water. Stir through the buttery onions, stilton and 2 tbsp cooking water, then sprinkle with the toasted walnuts to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 554 calories, Fat 20 grams fat, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 79 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 4 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 19 grams protein, Sodium 0.63 milligram of sodium

TOMATO BLUE CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Tomato Blue Cheese Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Tomato Blue Cheese Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Punky Julster

Categories     Penne

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) box of mini penne pasta, cooked and cooled to room temp
2 cups cherry tomatoes or 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup small fresh basil leaves, lightly packed or 4 tablespoons dried basil
1 1/2 cups finely crumbled blue cheese
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a bowl, toss tomatoes, basil, cheese, oil and vinegar.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Toss refrigerated mixture with cooled pasta and let stand at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.

BLUE CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Blue Cheese Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Blue Cheese Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Divinemom5

Categories     Steak

Time 25m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
2 ounces blue cheese, finely crumbled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (12 ounce) round steaks, trimmed of all fat,thinly sliced
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile,combine yogurt,mayonnaise,blue cheese,salt and pepper in large bowl.
  • Heat large non-stick skillet,Swirl in oil,then add garlic.
  • Saute 30 seconds.
  • Add beef in two batches,cook til just browned,about 2 minutes.
  • Drain pasta,add to bowl with yogurt dressing.
  • Add steak and tomatoes,toss to coat.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275.2, Fat 7.3, SaturatedFat 2.9, Cholesterol 40.5, Sodium 292.3, Carbohydrate 32.3, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 3.8, Protein 20.2

PASTA WITH SPINACH AND BLUE CHEESE



Pasta With Spinach And Blue Cheese image

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound spinach
1 pound spaghetti, linguine, or other pasta
2 tablespoons butter (preferred), or extra virgin olive oil
1/4 pound Roquefort, gorgonzola, or other good blue cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Set large pot of water to boil, and add salt. Remove largest, thickest stems from spinach; roughly chop leaves and remaining stems. Wash thoroughly.
  • When water comes to boil, add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until nearly tender. When just about done, add spinach. Stir. As soon as spinach wilts completely -- less than 30 seconds -- drain quickly.
  • Immediately return pasta and spinach to pot, with butter and cheese, over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese and butter melt, all water is absorbed, and pasta is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 609, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 90 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 24 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 611 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

BLUE CHEESE PASTA SALAD



Blue Cheese Pasta Salad image

Make and share this Blue Cheese Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Dancer

Categories     Cheese

Yield 1 batch

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 ounces pasta, dried
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons parsley, minced

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to directions. Immediately rinse with cold water and drain well.
  • Add cheese, walnuts, celery, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Gently toss with 2 forks until the ingredients are well mixed. Refrigerate until serving.
  • You may need to add a little more mayonnaise if the salad seems dry.
  • Sprinkle with the parsley and serve slightly chilled.
  • Note; This pasta salad is best when made the day before it is to be served or at least several hours in advance, so that they flavor of the blue cheese has a chance to develop.
  • Keep in the refrigerator.

PASTA WITH VEGETABLES AND BLUE CHEESE



Pasta With Vegetables And Blue Cheese image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces whole onion or 7 ounces chopped, ready-cut onion (1 2/3 cups)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large clove garlic
4 ounces whole peeled carrots or 4 ounces thinly sliced, ready-cut carrots (3/4 cup)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 pound asparagus
4 ounces white mushrooms or assorted mushrooms
8 ounces ripe plum tomatoes
8 ounces fresh pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, penne
3/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons blue cheese
1/8 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Chop onion.
  • Heat large nonstick pot until it is very hot. Reduce heat to medium-high, and add oil.
  • Add onion, and cook until it begins to soften.
  • Mince garlic, and add.
  • Bring water to boil in covered pot for pasta.
  • Using thin slicing blade of a food processor, slice carrots. Stir into onion and garlic along with thyme.
  • Wash asparagus. Break off and discard tough, woody part of stalks. Add to onion and carrot pot.
  • Wash, trim and slice mushrooms; wash and trim tomato, and cut into small chunks. Add mushrooms and tomatoes to vegetable pot; stir well, cover and continue cooking over medium-low heat.
  • Cook pasta.
  • Stir a little of the yogurt into the cornstarch to make a smooth paste. Stir the paste into the remaining yogurt, and mash in the blue cheese. When vegetables are tender, add in the yogurt mixture, and stir until the sauce is smooth and the blue cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Drain the pasta, and top with sauce.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 752, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 126 grams, Fat 14 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 35 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 630 milligrams, Sugar 25 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Short pastas like penne, shells, or rotini are ideal for pasta salads as they hold the dressing well. They also have nooks and crannies that can trap the flavorful ingredients, making each bite more satisfying.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta has a slightly firm bite to it, which helps it hold its shape when tossed with the dressing and other ingredients. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and can make the salad unappetizing.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings a pasta salad together, so it's important to use one that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with different types of dressings, such as creamy dressings, pesto-based dressings, or even Asian-inspired dressings.
  • Don't be afraid to add vegetables: Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to pasta salads. Some good choices include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and broccoli. You can also use leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, for a lighter salad.
  • Add some protein: Protein helps to make pasta salads more filling and satisfying. Some good options include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans. You can also use nuts or seeds for a vegetarian protein source.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor to pasta salads. Some good choices include basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives.

Conclusion:

With a little planning and effort, you can easily make a delicious and satisfying pasta salad that will be the star of your next potluck or picnic. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you!

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