Best 7 Ginas Pasta Salad Recipes

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Giana's Pasta Salad is a delightful Italian dish bursting with vibrant flavors and colors. It is a symphony of textures, combining al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, juicy tomatoes, and savory cheese. This versatile salad offers several variations, each featuring unique ingredients and dressings that cater to diverse palates. From the classic mayonnaise-based dressing to the tangy vinaigrette, the creamy avocado dressing to the refreshing lemon-herb dressing, there's a dressing for every preference. Whether you're a fan of hearty meat additions like ham, salami, or chicken, or prefer a vegetarian option with artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe provides endless possibilities for customization. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we guide you through the steps of creating this delectable pasta salad, guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

GINA'S ORZO SALAD



Gina's Orzo Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound orzo
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes
1 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chiffonade fresh mint leaves
5 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook until tender yet still firm, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain into a colander and let cool.
  • Whisk together the Dijon, olive oil, and lemon juice in a large serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add the cooled orzo, cherry tomatoes, almonds, red onion, green onions, basil, mint, and feta. Toss together and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper, if needed. Serve.

GINA'S SEAFOOD PASSION PASTA



Gina's Seafood Passion Pasta image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Pinch red pepper flakes
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound dry sea scallops
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 pound linguini
Grated Parmesan, for serving

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
  • Add the olive oil to a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic and saute until tender and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the white wine and the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Add the shrimp and scallops, cover, and gently simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and add directly to the skillet and toss with the pasta and seafood. Serve sprinkled with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Italian Pasta Salad image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound tri-color corkscrew pasta
1 (12-ounce jar) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
8 ounces smoked mozzarella, cubed
1(8-ounce link) spicy pepperoni, cubed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons chopped jarred pepperoncini
1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until package directions for al dente. Drain well and cool.
  • Add the artichoke hearts, mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, pepperoncini and basil to a large bowl. Stir in the pasta.
  • Whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with the pasta.

CAMPANELLE PASTA SALAD



Campanelle Pasta Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     main-dish

Time 26m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound campanelle pasta
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup
1 small or 1/2 medium red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (6-ounce) can Italian tuna in oil, such as Flott, drained
1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and quartered
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • In a 14-inch skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the tuna to the skillet and, using a fork, break into chunks. Add the cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the pasta, the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, and the parsley. Toss until all the ingredients are coated, adding a little pasta water, if needed, to thin out the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and serve warm or at room temperature.

GINA'S PASTA SALAD



Gina's Pasta Salad image

My co-worker Gina makes this pasta salad and it is to die for!! I LOVE IT! You can not mess this recipe up, it is all "to taste" and fresh parsley and basil can be used instead of dried if you prefer. I double this recipe and I use mini bow tie pasta and 2 bottles of dressing.

Provided by Bella Rachelle

Categories     Low Protein

Time 20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (8 ounce) box spiral shaped pasta
1 (16 ounce) bottle light caesar salad dressing (as much as you prefer)
3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 (4 ounce) can black olives, sliced
1/2 cup salami, cut into strips
1/2 cup pepperoni, cut into strips
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Mix everything together! Enjoy :).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 861.7, Fat 36.7, SaturatedFat 8.2, Cholesterol 36, Sodium 7458.5, Carbohydrate 129.4, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 100.6, Protein 11.1

NEELY'S LEMON PASTA SALAD



Neely's Lemon Pasta Salad image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Salt
1 pound corkscrew pasta
1 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup freshly chopped dill leaves
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
7 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
  • In another large pot of boiling salted water, add the asparagus and blanch until bright green and slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or a spider and shock in icy cold water. Remove from the water and dry well.
  • Trim the ends of the asparagus and cut into bite-size pieces on the bias.
  • Whisk together the mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Combine the reserved asparagus and pasta in a large serving bowl. Add the tomatoes, dill, peas, feta, and the mustard dressing. Toss with tongs to coat the salad well. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if needed.

GINA'S SPINACH SALAD



Gina's Spinach Salad image

My friend Gina is amazing- and once you try this spinach salad you'll see why. It's easy, you can prep it ahead of time and everyone (yes, everyone) loves it.

Provided by Cowgirly

Categories     Savory

Time 20m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 cups fresh spinach
2 cups mozzarella cheese
1 lb bacon (cooked and chopped)
2 (11 ounce) cans mandarin oranges
1/2 cup dried cranberries
candied pecans (may substitute toasted slivered almonds)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup oil
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (powder)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions

Steps:

  • Put dressing ingredients into blender, and puree -- toss with salad Ingredients and that's it!
  • Hint: You can prepare double the amount of the salad mix then save 1/2 the dressing and have 2 meals. This makes a great big salad.
  • Hint #2 : Don't put the dressing on until right before you eat if you want it to stay crisp!

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your pasta salad shine. Look for ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and a good quality pasta.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta will hold its shape and texture better in the salad.
  • Let the pasta cool completely before assembling the salad: This will help prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing.
  • Use a light hand with the dressing: You don't want to drown the salad in dressing. A little bit goes a long way.
  • Add some fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can brighten up the flavors of the salad.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are endless possibilities for pasta salad recipes. Feel free to add your favorite ingredients and create a salad that's uniquely yours.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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