Best 2 Italian Pasta Salad Ii Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our versatile Italian pasta salad, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This beloved dish, with its vibrant colors and medley of textures, is a staple at gatherings, potlucks, and picnics. From classic recipes that celebrate the simplicity of fresh ingredients to creative twists that incorporate unexpected flavors, our collection offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate.

Embark on a culinary adventure as you explore recipes that showcase the essence of Italian cuisine. Discover the traditional Italian pasta salad, where succulent tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and tender mozzarella unite in a dressing of olive oil and vinegar, creating a refreshing and flavorful symphony.

For a modern twist, delve into a recipe that incorporates roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, and a pesto-based dressing, resulting in a vibrant and satisfying salad that is perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

If you crave a vegetarian delight, explore a recipe that features a medley of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, tossed with pasta, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette.

For a unique take on this classic dish, discover a recipe that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette.

No matter your preferences, our collection of Italian pasta salad recipes offers something for everyone. Prepare to be captivated by these culinary creations that celebrate the joy of simple, fresh, and delicious food.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

Italian Pasta Salad Recipe image

This is one satisfying and flavor-packed cold pasta salad with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, rustic old-world salami, tangy olives, and mozzarella. A zesty Italian dressing brings it all together.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Salad

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

¾ lb pasta, ((I recommend fusilli or rotini pasta) )
Kosher salt
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 bell pepper (any color, cored and chopped)
1 shallot (chopped)
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (6 ounces)
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
6 pepperoncini, (chopped)
6 to 8 ounces salami, (sliced into bite size pieces )
6 ounces mozzarella cheese, (torn (or mozzarella cheese balls))
½ cup packed chopped fresh parsley
½ cup packed chopped fresh basil leaves
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 garlic cloves, (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper

Steps:

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until the pasta is cooked to al dante (don't forget to salt your water). Drain
In a large bowl, mix the pasta with the tomatoes, chopped veggies, artichoke hearts, olives, pepperoncini, salami, mozzarella, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients together.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.3 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.1 g, Protein 13.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Cholesterol 26.9 mg, Sodium 748.4 mg, Fiber 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

ITALIAN PASTA SALAD II

Italian Pasta Salad II image

This is truly a must have pasta salad especially if you are Italian. I can't keep this in the house, it goes as fast as I make it. Enjoy!

Provided by YORKIDOLL

Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Italian Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or as needed
2 red bell peppers, seeded and chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons jarred minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
1 cup diced Asiago cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain, and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in enough olive oil to coat, but not so that it pools at the bottom of the bowl. Mix in the red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, parsley, oregano and Asiago cheese. Mix in the Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate until 20 minutes before serving. If the pasta soaks up a lot of the oil, you may need to add more. Taste the salad as you are preparing it, you may like more or less ingredients.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 437.5 calories, Carbohydrate 48.3 g, Cholesterol 17.6 mg, Fat 21.5 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 14.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 272.2 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

Tips:

Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Al dente pasta has a slight bite to it and holds up better in pasta salad.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables for visual appeal and added nutrition. Some good options include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and artichoke hearts.
Choose a flavorful dressing that complements the other ingredients. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs is a good option.
Add some protein to the salad, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This will make the salad more filling and satisfying.
Top the salad with fresh herbs, grated cheese, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.

Conclusion:

Italian pasta salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its colorful ingredients and flavorful dressing, Italian pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.