Best 3 Moms Pasta Salad Recipes

**Introduction:**

Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with our exquisite pasta salad, a delightful dish that combines the essence of classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. This culinary masterpiece features an array of vibrant ingredients, each contributing its unique charm to create an unforgettable dining experience. Discover the perfect harmony of al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, succulent meats, and a tangy dressing that tantalizes your taste buds. Dive into a world of culinary bliss with our curated collection of pasta salad recipes, ranging from vegetarian delights to hearty meat-lover's options.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

MOM'S SALAD

Mom's Salad image

Provided by Michael Symon : Food Network

Categories side-dish

Time 5m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 heads romaine lettuce, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, large diced
1 cucumber, large diced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

Combine the romaine, tomatoes, cucumber and onions in a large bowl.
Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, sour cream, oregano and garlic in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Serve with more freshly cracked black pepper over the top.

MOM'S BEST MACARONI SALAD

Mom's Best Macaroni Salad image

This is, by far, the best macaroni salad I've ever put into my mouth. It has a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, and it is so pretty with all of the multi-colored veggies. Be ready for this to disappear before you put it on the table! I have six children, and it is all I can do to keep them from nibbling on it while I'm mixing it up!

Provided by Renee Chase

Categories Salad Pasta Salad Macaroni Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
4 carrots, shredded
1 large red onion, chopped
½ green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
½ red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 cups mayonnaise
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
½ cup white sugar
½ cup white vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water, and drain.
In a large bowl, stir together the carrots, red onion, green pepper, red pepper and celery. Mix in the mayonnaise, condensed milk, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add the macaroni, toss gently, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. I usually make this a day ahead of time, and stir it occasionally to blend the flavors. The macaroni will absorb some of the liquid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.2 calories, Carbohydrate 45 g, Cholesterol 18.8 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 205.4 mg, Sugar 21.7 g

MOM'S TRADITIONAL PASTA SALAD

Mom's Traditional Pasta Salad image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

12 oz Rotini Tri Colored Pasta
1 chopped red pepper
1 chopped green pepper
1 sliced cucumber
1 can of sliced black olives
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 small can of mushrooms
1 small package pepperoni (cut into quarters, or you can use the new mini pepperoni)
8 oz block of marbled cheddar, cut into cubes (any cheese will work)
1 red onion (diced)
16 ounces Italian Dressing (any brand works great)

Steps:

Cook the pasta as it directs on the package. Pour cooked pasta into a large bowl. Then add red and green peppers, cucumber, sliced olives, tomatoes, mushrooms, pepperoni, cheese cubes, and onion.
Pour Italian dressing on salad (you can use fat-free or low-fat if you want). Mix well. Put salad in fridge for a couple of hours before serving. Stir again before serving. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips:

Cook the pasta al dente. This means that it should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. This will help the pasta salad hold its shape and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use a variety of vegetables. This will add color, flavor, and texture to the salad. Some good options include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and olives.
Don't overdress the salad. A little bit of dressing goes a long way. If you add too much, the salad will become soggy.
Chill the salad before serving. This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.
Serve the salad with a variety of toppings. This could include grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or crumbled bacon.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a light and refreshing meal, give one of these recipes a try.