Best 3 Grandpas Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with Grandpa's Pasta Salad, a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. This classic Italian-American dish combines the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tender pasta, tossed in a tangy dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. With variations ranging from a simple yet flavorful dressing to a creamy, rich sauce, this versatile salad caters to every palate. Discover the secrets behind this beloved recipe, and create a dish that will become a staple in your own family's culinary traditions.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD



Quick and Easy Pasta Salad image

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

1 pound dried pasta like fusilli, penne, rotini or farfalle (bow tie)
1 cup sliced bell pepper (1 medium)
1 cup thinly sliced zucchini (1/2 medium)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (5 to 6)
1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers, optional
1 cup (4 ounces) halved mixed olives
1 cup (2 ounces) grated parmesan cheese or hard cheese
1 cup (6 ounces) fresh mozzarella balls, chopped
1/3 cup fresh parsley or basil, optional
1/3 cup red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 to 3 tablespoons juice from pepperoncini jar, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

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

GRANDPA'S PASTA SALAD



Grandpa's Pasta Salad image

My grandfather created this recipe for my family on thanksgiving. When I tried it I had to make all the time.I'ts great!

Provided by zach lyons

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 28m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb small no yolk noodles
1 peeled and diced cucumber
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup chopped black olives
1 cup fat-free mayonnaise or 1 cup regular mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives.
  • In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper,and sugar stir till not lumpy; add to mixture and stir.
  • Chill and serve.

CLASSIC ITALIAN PASTA SALAD



Classic Italian Pasta Salad image

Perfect for a buffet or a barbecue. Customize with your favorite vegetables.

Provided by Food Network

Time 20m

Yield 8 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2-1/2 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
1/2 cup cubed cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Steps:

  • 1. Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, refrigerate, then stir in 1/4 cup additional Wish-Bone Dressing before serving.
  • For a Creamy Italian Pasta Salad, substitute 1/2 cup Hellmann's® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise for 1/2 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing.
  • Also terrific with Wish-Bone® Robusto Italian, Fat Free! Italian, House Italian, Ranch, Light Ranch, Fat Free! Ranch, Creamy Caesar, Red Wine Vinaigrette or Fat Free! Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressings.
  • See nutrition information for sodium content.

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta salad. Look for ripe vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a good quality olive oil.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Al dente pasta is cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will help the pasta salad hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Let the pasta cool completely before assembling the salad: This will help prevent the pasta from absorbing too much dressing and becoming soggy.
  • Use a light hand with the dressing: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. You can always add more dressing if needed, but it's difficult to remove it once it's been added.
  • Add vegetables and other mix-ins to your liking: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and proteins to create your own unique pasta salad recipe.

Conclusion:

Grandpa's Pasta Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta salad that will impress your family and friends.

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