Best 3 Killer Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing killer pasta salad, a vibrant symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. This delectable dish, perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing lunch, combines the vibrant colors and textures of fresh vegetables, succulent grilled chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta.

With four enticing variations to choose from, this recipe caters to every palate. The classic killer pasta salad is a harmonious blend of tender penne pasta, crisp bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. For a protein-packed twist, the chicken killer pasta salad incorporates succulent grilled chicken breast, adding a savory dimension to the dish.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, the killer pasta salad without meat features an array of roasted vegetables, including sweet bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, providing a medley of flavors and textures. And for a creamy indulgence, the killer pasta salad with pesto dressing combines basil pesto, mayonnaise, and sour cream, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that complements the salad ingredients perfectly.

Each variation of the killer pasta salad is a testament to the culinary artistry, offering a unique flavor profile that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure with our killer pasta salad recipes.

Let's cook with our recipes!

KILLER PASTA SALAD



Killer Pasta Salad image

Oil/vinegar based pasta salad, of my own creation. Good stuff. The carrots add a bit of sweetness, the sunflower seeds a nice crunch and nutiness, the garlic and herb seasoning ( I think it was Good Seasons brand) add a different kind of flavor, and the pasta a nice array of shapes and colors.I use one box of wacky shaped pasta like cellantani, and one box of Tri-colored rotini. This makes an enormous amount of pasta salad, so you might want to half the recipe. We live on this stuff in the summer.

Provided by Retro Kali

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 30m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (1 lb) box desired pasta
1 (1 lb) box rotini pasta
2 (1 ounce) packets Good Seasons garlic and herb seasoning mix
vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
4 large carrots, diced
1 green pepper, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup sunflower seeds

Steps:

  • Mix dry seasonings according to the directions on packet, adding the appropriate amount of vinegar, oil and water.
  • cook pasta. Rinse with cold water, drain.
  • Mix all ingredients together( except for the sunflower seeds), cover and refrigerate.
  • This has to sit overnight for the flavors to meld.
  • add salt and pepper to taste.
  • mix in the sunflower seeds right before serving.

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

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

KILLER PASTA SALAD



Killer Pasta Salad image

Incredibly easy dish for a large group, picnics, pot luck & to take to work. It will also last for a while, so it's easy for leftovers

Provided by Chef amfox

Categories     Brunch

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 , 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 lb spiral pasta (any kind)
1/2 bunch parsley, stemmed and chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red peppers
1 small onion, chpped
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons caper juice
1/2 cup black olives, pitted & sliced
1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
5 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons caper juice
1/4 teaspoon whole peppercorn
salt
parmesan cheese
dried oregano, flakes

Steps:

  • 1. Cook pasta alone, rinse & chill.
  • 2. Mix all dressing ingredients while pasta cooks/cools.
  • 3. Once pasta has cooled to about room temperature, mix well with other ingredients. Garnish as desired.
  • Serve cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 650, Fat 38.7, SaturatedFat 5.4, Sodium 1037.9, Carbohydrate 65.9, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 4.2, Protein 11.4

Tips:

  • Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to the salad. Some good options include broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, cucumbers, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini.
  • Don't be afraid to add some protein. This will make the salad more filling and satisfying. Some good options include chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Use a light dressing. A heavy dressing will overpower the other flavors in the salad. A simple vinaigrette or olive oil and vinegar dressing is a good option.
  • Serve the salad chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With a variety of ingredients to choose from, you can easily customize it to your own liking. So next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad, give pasta salad a try!

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