**Satisfy Your Summer Cravings with a Refreshing Pasta Salad Delight: A Culinary Journey Through Linda's Pasta Salad Recipes**
As the sun shines brightly and the air fills with warmth, it's time to indulge in a culinary delight that perfectly captures the essence of summer—Linda's Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish offers a tantalizing blend of flavors, textures, and colors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue, a potluck gathering, or simply seeking a refreshing meal to beat the heat, Linda's Pasta Salad has got you covered. Embark on a culinary journey through three irresistible recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this classic summer dish. From the classic Italian-inspired pasta salad brimming with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing to the unique Asian-inspired version featuring a delightful combination of sweet and savory ingredients, each recipe promises an unforgettable taste experience. And for those who prefer a creamy indulgence, the creamy avocado pasta salad is a must-try, offering a rich and satisfying twist on the traditional pasta salad. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and create memories that will last a lifetime with Linda's Pasta Salad extravaganza.
LINDA'S (HEALTHY & FILLING) PASTA SALAD
This is a cold pasta salad that utilizes lots of filling foods. If you are a Weight Watcher's member you will also enjoy the POINTS VALUE of only 2 points for a generous 1 cup serving!
Provided by Linda Stevens
Categories Pasta Salads
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Boil pasta until el dente'. Rinse in cold water and place in a large salad bowl.
- 2. Clean and separate broccoli and cauliflower flowerettes. Boil a pot of water - turn off and place vegetables in hot water to BLANCH. (approx. 3 min). They should brighten in color, but still be crisp. Repeat with carrots.
- 3. Add blanched vegetables to bowl of pasta.
- 4. Add chopped tomato, sliced jalapenos and olives to pasta bowl. (You may use black or green olives). I prefer small green olives stuffed with pimentos. Mix thoroughly.
- 5. Cut cheddar cheese into small cubes and add along with 3 T. of fresh parmesan. Add the Caesar Italian salad dressing and blend into pasta and vegetable mixture thoroughly. I have also used fat free Zesta Italian dressing before. If you like a creamier salad you could also add 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, but remember the POINTS value will change if you do. Refrigerate overnight covered.
- 6. If you want your salad hotter/spicier, leave seeds and veins in jalapenos.
LINDA'S SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD
I love the flavors in this pasta salad with the addition of the lemon, shrimp and Old Bay Seasoning! I often substitute whole wheat pasta in this dish... I also double the mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning and lemon, adding half when I initially make it, then just before serving I add some more, so it isn't dry after sitting in the fridge for flavors to meld... Sometimes I just double up on the shrimp or the crabmeat instead of using both together... Either way, this recipe is a KEEPER for sure!
Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen
Categories Crab
Time 45m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to pkg. directions.
- Drain, and rinse in cold water.
- Immediately toss with lemon juice.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Chill for several hours.
- Serve on a bed a lettuce.
QUICK AND EASY PASTA SALAD
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
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
LINDA'S PASTA SALAD
I love pasta salad in the summer and make it often... This is one that I make often, and it's WONDERFUL!
Provided by Lindas Busy Kitchen
Categories Vegetable
Time 53m
Yield 8-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to box directions, drain and let cool (do not overcook pasta, or salad will be mushy). Refrigerate.
- Meanwhile, slice and dice all veggies, and put in a big bowl. Refrigerate.
- When all is chilled mix veggies in with pasta, and add salad dressing, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all well.
- *Save some of the salad dressing to pour on just before serving. When it's time to serve you can add more salad dressing, if you like more. The pasta has a tendency to soak up salad dressing as it marinates, so I save some to add right at serving time.
- Variations:.
- Use kalamata, or green olives instead of black.
- Add little corn ears.
- Add your favorite cheese, any hard, American or Feta.
- Add cheese and diced pepperoni, or hard salami.
- Add frozen green peas, thawed.
- Add radishes, diced, or sliced.
LINDA'S LASAGNA
This is my mother's wonderful lasagna recipe. It has been a favorite in our family for years!
Provided by RBLAIR
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 2h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until brown. Drain off all fat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir until combined and cook over medium heat until boiling. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
- While sauce is simmering, blend cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg until smooth. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover sauce with 3 noodles. Cover noodles with 1/3 of the remaining sauce. Top with 1/2 of the mozzarella. Place another layer of noodles and one of sauce over the mozzarella; top that with the cottage cheese mixture. Top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining sauce.
- Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake 15 minutes more, until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 494.1 calories, Carbohydrate 38.2 g, Cholesterol 104.5 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 38.2 g, SaturatedFat 11.3 g, Sodium 1625.9 mg, Sugar 9.3 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality pasta: The type of pasta you use will greatly affect the final dish. Choose a pasta that is made with durum wheat and has a good texture. Some popular choices for pasta salad include penne, rotini, and farfalle.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help it hold its shape and texture in the salad.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, flavor, and nutrition to pasta salad. Some popular choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and olives. You can also use roasted vegetables for a more flavorful salad.
- Choose a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the pasta salad together. You can use a simple vinaigrette, a creamy dressing, or a pesto-based dressing. Experiment with different dressings to find one that you like.
- Add some protein: Protein can help make pasta salad a more filling and satisfying meal. Some popular choices for protein include grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also add beans or lentils for a vegetarian protein option.
- Chill the pasta salad before serving: Pasta salad is best served chilled. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to firm up. You can chill the salad for at least an hour, or overnight.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy.
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